Arch-rivals Parramatta and Penrith will lock horns in a showdown with added significance when they clash in the EISS Super Sapphire Trial Tribute at Bega Recreation Ground on February 29.
Coming just two weeks before the NRL season kicks off, the trial will be a crucial hit-out for coaches Brad Arthur and Ivan Cleary as they look to fine-tune combinations.
Tickets are now on sale for the Bega trial which also includes curtain-raiser matches the Andrew Johns Cup and the Laurie Daley Cup which have been relocated from Wollongong.
"Rugby League always comes together for these moments and it will be wonderful to see thousands of people pack the venue," NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said.
"We want to ensure we can support the local communities as much as possible, so we have given free entry to locals who have been impacted by the bushfires.
"We want supporters to travel from far and wide for this trial match to help the region get back on its feet and I am sure that they will."
Bushfire Relief: ‘It was like the end of the earth had come’
Following this weekend's NRL Nines in Perth, the Eels face the Rabbitohs in a trial on February 21 before heading to Bega.
The Panthers have a hit-out against Wests Tigers on February 22 and then make their way south for the Super Sapphire Tribute.
The Panthers-Eels "Battle of the West" clash will be part of a three-day festival, which will include a free concert headlined by ARIA award-winning Australian artist Amy Shark.
The trial was relocated from Penrith to support the South Coast region and honour firefighters and volunteers.
Free tickets will be available to Sapphire Coast locals who have registered at a Bushfire Recovery Centre since October.
