Globe trotters: Parramatta will rack up plenty of miles in 2015. Photo: Getty Images
Parramatta boss Scott Seward has expressed serious concerns for his players' welfare after the Eels were drawn to play six interstate games, including three consecutive matches away from home, when the NRL fixtures were released on Monday.
The Eels will play every interstate team away from home for the second consecutive year despite pleas to the NRL to lessen their travel burden. The most serious concern for the club is their round 20-22 games where they will travel to Townsville, Gold Coast and Darwin. The Eels match against Penrith in Darwin is the club's home game.
The Eels will also battle school holiday traffic following from their round seven clash in Newcastle on Sunday April 19 which coincides with the end of the holiday period before they travel to Brisbane for their round eight game.
Seward said he will further express his grievances to the NRL. "It's certainly tough especially when you do volunteer to take one of your games interstate to grow the game," Seward said. "We will deal with it the right way. We understand how hard it is to put a draw together. We'd be negligent if we didn't voice our concern over the travel and what it means and the welfare to our players. [Player welfare] is a massive concern for us. They aren't one hour flights. It's something we have to watch and monitor. We learnt plenty from this year. We will certainly put that into action again.
Advertisement
"It's just something you have to deal with, it's part of the game. There are interstate teams that have to travel every week. Â We just find it interesting that we get two years in a row where we travel to play every interstate side."
The Eels will consider basing themselves in Queensland in between their clashes against the Cowboys and Titans. Parramatta won three of their six interstate games this year. Seward said he had voiced his concerns to the NRL before the draw was released.
"It was mentioned that we travelled a lot," Seward said. "It was certainly in [the NRL's] minds. We just have to prepare for it. I was surprised we'd get travel like that again."
Seward backed the club's decision to switch one home game to Darwin for four years. Almost 10,000 people turned up for their first game in the Northern Territory when the Eels beat Canberra 18-10.
"We are committed to the Territory," Seward said. "I don't think that's the issue here. We signed up for the Territory knowing our commitment."
New Parramatta recruit Anthony Watmough won't have to wait long to face his former club with the Eels hosting the Sea Eagles to kick start their 2015 campaign on Friday March 6. "It is a great way to start the year," Seward said. "We'd hoped to get a sell out at home. It's certainly a good chance for our members and fans to show what their home ground means to them. I'm sure Anthony will be looking forward to it."
Brisbane and South Sydney will open the NRL season on Thursday March 5. The Rabbitohs and Canterbury will clash in a grand final rematch on April 3 at ANZ Stadium while the Bulldogs will return to Belmore Sportsground for the first time since 1998 when they host Cronulla on Sunday July 26.