Eels launch new home ground in style

Parramatta have kicked off their preparations for the Easter Monday clash against the Wests Tigers in style by officially launching Bankwest Stadium on Wednesday night with an open training session. 

More than 8,000 fans jumped at the opportunity to watch the Eels get put through their paces under lights at the newly-built venue.

Spectators were treated to a state-of-the-art light show before players signed autographs to round out the night.

"It's pretty exciting to be running out into that," Eels skipper Clint Gutherson said after the session.

"All the fans were running around and it's not only exciting for us but all the fans, it was a great atmosphere and will be ten times louder on Monday.

"It's good for the game, the fans will be in the thick of it."

The 30,000 capacity venue officially sold out for the maiden clash last week with only membership offers available if fans want to attend.

Eels pair Blake Ferguson and Daniel Alvaro were notable omissions at the session after being named in the 21-man squad on Tuesday. 

The Eels will play nine home games at the venue through the rest of 2019, with the Wests Tigers hosting four games (starting with the Raiders on June 7) while the Bulldogs have one home game at Bankwest Stadium, against the Panthers on August 3.

The venue will also host NSWRL Grand Final Day on September 29 as well as the Rugby League World 9s on October 18-19.

Meanwhile, Gutherson was tight-lipped on his future at the Eels after reports emerged on Wednesday he was ready to test the open market.

The 24-year-old is off-contract as season's end and is regarded as one of the hottest prospects available for rival clubs to chase.

"I don't know, you've got to ask my manager," Gutherson said when asked if there was an update.

"I've just got to focus on the game and my management will sort it out. I'm a casual bloke so it doesn't really bother me but you'd rather get it sorted.

"I've just got to play footy."