Parramatta Eels fans will have the chance to experience what life is like on the Hayne Train this weekend with a complimentary express train service to run between Strathfield and Newcastle for Saturday's must-win game against the Knights at Hunter Stadium.
"The Hayne Train" will depart Strathfield station at 11:19am on Saturday, August 30, as an exclusive service FREE for Eels Members, junior pass and ticket holders.
The train will stop at Hornsby, Gosford, Wyong and Morriset, before arriving at Broadmeadow station at 1:36pm, well ahead of kick-off at 3pm.
A return service will depart Broadmeadow station at 5:30pm.
Members and ticket holders will be in no doubt as to which train to catch, with the blue and gold decorated express service to be branded "The Hayne Train", while indicator boards and service staff will make special announcements regarding the service.
Simply show your pass or ticket to the game to Sydney Trains staff at Strathfield Station to reserve your seat on the 900 seat capacity train.
"This is a great initiative from the NRL and Sydney Trains, although I must admit I never thought I'd have an actual train named after me!" Eels co-captain Jarryd Hayne said today.
"This is a must-win game for us, so hopefully we pack the train full of Eels fans because I know we will need their support if we are to get over the Knights on Saturday."
"You never know, if we do manage to get a win, I might jump on the train for the return leg home," Hayne said.
NRL Head of Football, Todd Greenberg, praised the support of Sydney Trains and the Parramatta Eels, while encouraging fans and Members of all clubs to get out and support their team over the final two rounds of the regular season.
"The countdown to the Final Series is on and this is a wonderful opportunity for Eels fans to get behind their team as they make a charge for the Top 8," Mr Greenberg said.
"This has been one of the closest competitions in the game's history with 11 teams still in the running to make the Top 8, while the Minor Premiership is also well and truly on the line."
"I encourage all our Members and fans to get out to a game this weekend and experience what is certain to be one of the most thrilling rounds of the season," Mr Greenberg said.
The Hayne Train Timetable
STRATHFIELD TO BROADMEADOW:
Departs Platform 3 - 11.19am
Hornsby - 11.42am
Gosford - 12.25pm
Wyong - 12.42pm
Morisset - 12.59pm
Broadmeadow - 1.36pm
BROADMEADOW TO CENTRAL
Departs - 5.30pm
Morisset - 6.03pm
Wyong - 6.20pm
Gosford - 6.37pm
Hornsby - 7.31pm
Strathfield - 7.55pm
Central - 8.07pm
Please be advised there is weekend track work scheduled for some services on the Western Line, with buses replacing trains between St Marys and Granville, and Richmond and Granville, so make sure to plan ahead to arrive on time.
Tickets for Knights v Eels are available through www.ticketmaster.com.au
