Peter Sterling confident of Parramatta’s new recruits firing early

Parramatta’s new recruits, led by former Sydney Roosters winger Blake Ferguson, will be key to helping the Eels get off to a strong start in 2019.

• 100 years of Parramatta District Cricket Association
• Debut driving young GWS Giant

Recruits, including former Sydney Roosters winger Blake Ferguson, could be the key to Parramatta starting its season emphatically, Eels great Peter Sterling says.

“I don’t think there was a better winger (in 2018),” Sterling said.

Blake Ferguson was one of the best wingers in the competition last year. Picture: Dan Himbrechts

“We just need him to be the player he was last year.

“We’ve struggled a little bit bringing the ball off our own line, especially once Semi Radradra left, so he can do a really good job for us in an important role.

“Shaun Lane was very good at Manly last season as well so he also adds a bit of depth to that back row.”

Shaun Lane busting through the line for Manly against Cronulla in 2018. Picture: Brett Costello

The Eels will be desperate to avoid another 0-6 start to the season this year as they look to rebuild from claiming their third wooden spoon in seven years in 2018.

Their first game for 2019 will be a rematch of the 2018 season opener against Penrith at Panthers Stadium on Sunday, March 17.

Last year’s round one western Sydney derby was a disaster for Parramatta after the Eels led 14-0 before squandering the lead to lose.

IN OTHER NEWS

HOW TO CELEBRATE AUSTRALIA DAY TOMORROW

AUSSIE MENS SEVENS CONFIDENT OF BACK-TO-BACK TITLES

100 YEARS OF PARRAMATTA DISTRICT CRICKET ASSOCIATION

Following their trip to Penrith in round one, Parramatta will have three games in a row at ANZ Stadium, taking on the Bulldogs, Roosters and Sharks.

But by far the biggest date in Parramatta’s calendar this season is Easter Monday (April 22) when the Eels get to christen their new home Bankwest Stadium against the Wests Tigers.

For tickets, go to parraeels.com.au