Parramatta Eels will turn back time and play in a traditional strip in 2018, unveiling their home-and-away jerseys on Friday with an emphasis on recognising the club's heritage.
Eels CEO Bernie Gurr joined skipper Tim Mannah for the announcement and said the jerseys were a combination of focusing on the mid-1960s era that featured club legends Dick and Ken Thornett, and listening to fans' requests in the last year.
"We wanted a jersey that represented the Parramatta Eels and its rich history," Gurr said.
"There was a strong wish to create a Parramatta Eels identity – consistent with a traditional jersey and our club's history.
"We have reverted to the slightly darker, marine blue of earlier eras and changed to a genuine gold from the recent yellow colour."
Gurr confirmed the club would wear a Marvel kit for the first time next season after joining suppliers ISC, and in retro round they would wear a replica of the 1947 foundation jersey worn against the Wests Tigers in 2017.
"I love them, it's a bit of identity as well and I think fans will appreciate the consistency there," Mannah said of the home and away kit.
"It doesn't affect us as players what it looks like but the boys are excited about being on board with ISC – they've only worn the training gear for a week but are already talking about how comfortable it is."
Mannah was quizzed in a fan forum opportunity at the launch and was forced to answer questions on the possible return of Jarryd Hayne with one Eels member stating the Gold Coast Titans fullback would "look good in that jersey".
"I feel like I am talking to journalists," Mannah laughed.
"It would be nice but we will see what happens."
