Delaney likely pivot in Ballina trial

Brett Delaney is set to wear the number six for the Parramatta Eels after the 20-year-old was named at five-eighth for this Saturday's trial against the Melbourne Storm in Ballina.

With regular five-eighth John Morris likely miss the start of the season, it appears that Delaney's selection at pivot will not be a one-off.

Morris continues to recover from a pectoral injury prompting coach Brian Smith to search for an alternative five-eighth during the pre-season.

"We thought Brett was terrific in his two games in the centres last season and his development has continued during the off-season," Smith told The Sydney Morning Herald.

"I'm really excited about his potential, but it would obviously be hard for him to break through on a regular basis in the centres with Ben Smith and Timana Tahu there, so we're going to give him a shot at five-eighth while John Morris is out.

"What happens in the long term will depend on how Brett goes and how John goes when he is fit again, but competition never hurt anyone. Brett's got a junior background at five-eighth and lock and I'm pretty confident he'll handle it. I'm going to give [forward] Dean Widders a go at five-eighth during the trials as well."

The Eels v Storm trial match kicks off at 5:45pm this Saturday 11 February at Kingsford Smith Park, Ballina.

Other trial games this weekend include:

Sat 11 Feb: Wynnum-Manly Seagulls vs Broncos/Clydesdales (7:00pm) Kougari Oval, Wondall Road, Manly West (Brisbane).

Sat 11 Feb: Cowboys/Young Guns vs Broncos/Clydesdales (7:30pm) Browne Park, Rockhampton.

Sun 12 Feb: NZ Warriors v Canberra Raiders (3.00pm) North Harbour Stadium, Albany (Auckland).

List of pre-season trial matches: click here

Pic: Ballina Lighthouse. Photo: Annette Flotwell (lighthouse.net.au)