Matt Parcell left the Brisbane Broncos at the end of the 2015 season chasing more game time and the livewire hooker has quickly become one of Manly-Warringah's most reliable players. 

The 23-year-old played six games off the bench for the Broncos last year and he will play his old club for the first time in game two of Saturday's double-header at Suncorp Stadium. 

Manly-Warringah's Penrith recruit Apisai Koroisau was expected to be first-choice hooker for the Sea Eagles this year, but a shoulder injury to Koroisau early in the season saw Parcell claim the starting No.9 jersey, relegating Koroisau to the bench this week. 

Sea Eagles captain Jamie Lyon said Parcell had made a huge impact to the side since his debut for the club in pre-season.  

"I've been impressed with how he's gone this season. He's done some great stuff for us over the last nine games," Lyon said.  

"Even in the pre-season he was great. He's slotted straight into our squad and he's been a great acquisition to the side. 

"He hasn't really spoken too much about Saturday night, but he'll be super keen to get out there and put a good game in.

"He's not the most talkative bloke, but he's still good to have around the side. He's going to be really excited to play tomorrow night."

 


It will be a strange feeling for all of the Sea Eagles players on Saturday night as they run onto a packed Suncorp Stadium as the official 'home' team. 

It will be the same situation for the Melbourne Storm as they play the North Queensland Cowboys in the earlier match as the home team. 

Storm coach Craig Bellamy has been vocal this week about the decision to play a home game in Brisbane, with the 56-year-old preferring to keep their home matches in Melbourne. 

Sea Eagles coach Trent Barrett has a similar view on the matter but acknowledges that running out onto a sold out Suncorp Stadium will be a great experience for his young players. 

"Obviously we'd like it still at Brookvale, but I understand the reasoning behind the move," Barrett said.  

"It's going to be a good experience for a lot of our younger players who haven't played in front of a crowd this big before. They probably won't get a chance to do it again until we get to a grand final or they play State of Origin. 

"We are looking at the positives and we do have a good record on the road so there are no excuses here. We'll rip in tomorrow night. It's exciting to be playing on a great ground in front of a full house."