Parramatta captains balancing stadium excitement with getting the job done on the field

Ahead of Bankwest Stadium’s opening, Parramatta co-captains Clint Gutherson and Tim Mannah are wary of balancing their excitement for the occasion with getting the job done on the field.

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Monday’s clash will be a memorable experience for many people, but it will be an especially significant moment for the two men leading the blue and gold out on to the Bankwest Stadium turf for the first time.

Parramatta co-captains Clint Gutherson and Tim Mannah have had vastly different journeys in reaching this point — Mannah as the veteran stalwart and Gutherson as the up-and-coming star — however the weight of the occasion is certainly not lost on either of them.

“It’s going to be massive,” Gutherson said.

Tim Mannah is making sure the playing squad don’t get overawed by the occasion. Source: Parramatta Eels

“There’s a big buzz around town at the moment. It’s just a massive buzz around the club and the whole city and we’re looking forward to it.”

For Mannah, the most important thing is being able to share the moment with the fans.

“It’s sold out and there will be a great atmosphere,” he said.

“The whole team are excited. It’s an awesome ground, it lives up to the hype and it is going to be a great place to watch sport.”

Despite all the excitement, both men are also making sure the playing squad isn’t overwhelmed by the situation.

Clint Gutherson is determined to make sure the Eels bounce back from their 19-0 defeat against Canberra. Source: Parramatta Eels

“It’s an exciting week but we’ve got to turn up for (the game),” Gutherson said.

“Our main priority is to play a game of footy,” Mannah added.

“At the end of the day we’ve still got two points to play for so we’ve got to make sure we go out there and get them.”

Fans will be able to get a taste of the atmosphere during a special open training session under lights tonight.

Gates open at 5.30pm for a 6.30pm start.