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Parramatta Eels christen their new home

3 minute read

Fans and players alike got a sneak peek at the new home of Parramatta during a special training session on Wednesday night.

CLINT GUTHERSON of the Eels is tackled during the NRL match between the Parramatta Eels and the Penrith Panthers at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, Australia.
CLINT GUTHERSON of the Eels is tackled during the NRL match between the Parramatta Eels and the Penrith Panthers at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, Australia. Picture: Matt Blyth/Getty Images

Parramatta have christened the new Bankwest Stadium, warning other NRL clubs its their home and no one else's.

Fans and players alike got a sneak peek at the $360 million complex during a special open training session under the lights on Wednesday night.

"There's a bit of a weird smell in here at the moment, I don't know what it is," the Eels' co-captain Clint Gutherson told reporters.

"But yeah, it's pretty exciting not only for us as players but for everyone involved.

"Its such a good atmosphere here tonight and its going to be 10 times what it is on Monday."

Thousands of blue-and-gold clad fans watched the team train to AC/DC, as well as a two-minute fire and light show.

And while the 30,000-seat rectangle stadium will also play host to the Canterbury Bulldogs and Wests Tigers, the Eels made it clear it was their home alone.

"As much as teams want to play at the end of the day its going to be Parramatta Stadium," fellow co-captain Tim Mannah said.

"As great as ANZ Stadium has been to us over the years, it's never really felt like home, we were just temporarily playing somewhere that wasn't our spiritual home.

"Now that we're back in the city and back in Parramatta ... we can't wait to make it our own."

Despite the excitement for Monday's sold-out blockbuster against the Wests Tigers, both men are also making sure the playing squad isn't overwhelmed by the situation

"Come Monday it doesn't matter how fancy it is we've still got a job to do," Mannah said.

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