Competition is heating up at Parramatta as young stars chase an NRL chance

As Parramatta look to rebuild from yet another wooden spoon they’ll have plenty of potential stars to choose from as competition for spots heats up.

Maika Sivo during Parramatta Eels rugby league training at Old Saleyards Reserve, Parramatta. Picture: Brett Costello

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Parramatta winger George Jennings is facing stiff competition from a throng of youngsters looking to break into the Eels’ backline ahead of the NRL season kick-off.

Fijian flyer Maiko Sivo, who drew comparisons with former Eel Semi Radradra with his barnstorming runs during his time with Penrith, has undergone off-season shoulder surgery and is currently on a modified training program.

The minor setback has given two of Parramatta’s other rising stars a chance to impress coach Brad Arthur and push their claims for a spot on the wing for the Eels’ season opener against the Panthers.

Winger Haze Dunster and centre Ethan Parry have impressed in sessions in the oppressive western Sydney heat, joining a logjam of back options including Jennings brothers Michael and George, new recruit Blake Ferguson, speed machine Bevan French and utility Brad Takairangi.

Maika Sivo joined Parramatta from Penrith this season. Picture by Brett Costello.

Elsewhere on the injury front, forwards Nathan Brown (knee) and Manu Ma’u (shoulder) are still on modified programs but both are on track for round one.

Premiership winning winger Blake Ferguson has overcome both leg injuries (broken leg and a cut to this leg) and is scheduled to begin contact training this week.

At the Wests Tigers, Michael Maguire has not toned down his tough approach to pre-season preparations, with a club insider telling The Daily Telegraph that the newly appointed head coach has hit the ground running at Concord.

“It’s been the most intense preseason training I’ve seen in all my time at the club,” the source said.

Despite players being pushed to their limits, the squad has emerged relatively unscathed. Playmaker Josh Reynolds (hamstring) will be available for round one selection and forward Josh Aloiai (hand) has returned to full contact training.

Maguire has room for one more player in his top 30 but no new additions can be finalised until the club resolves the fallout from a salary cap breach last year.

Training has been intense at the Tigers. Picture by Dan Talintyre.

At Belmore, a new-look Canterbury squad have been put through their paces by new high performance manager Tony Ayoub. The seasoned NRL physiotherapist is being credited for whipping Dean Pay’s men into shape. The ‘shredded’ players have spent the bulk of the summer focusing on their fitness levels and doing plenty of running. Leading by example, forward stalwart Aiden Tolman has been one of the standout performers. Halfback Jack Cogger’s efforts over the summer have also been turning heads at his new club. Skipper Josh Jackson’s recovery from shoulder surgery is ahead of schedule and he’ll be ready come round one.

Kieran Foran (toe), who only played 12 games last year, has returned to full fitness and will be available for round one against the New Zealand Warriors.

Over at the foot of the mountains, Penrith Panthers star Nathan Cleary (ankle) has been running with his team but won’t start contact work until next week. His halves partner James Maloney, who underwent neck surgery in the off-season, is also back at full training. He has however been spotted in a ‘no contact” bib during some sessions.

Nathan Cleary and James Maloney are back at training. Picture by Brett Costello.

But that is mostly a precaution and an attempt to protect the veteran playmaker’s battered body from any friendly fire.

Big man Reagan Campbell-Gillard fractured his jaw again in mid-December during a training session. He’s expected to be available for selection as early as Penrith’s first trial match against South Sydney at Redfern on Saturday 23rd of February.

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