Eels re-sign Burt, Graham

The Asics Parramatta Eels have received a major boost in the countdown to the start of the 2004 Telstra Premiership with news that players Luke Burt and Ashley Graham have re-signed for a further two years.

Burt (22) made his First Grade debut for Parramatta in the opening of the then Stadium Australia in 1999 and has played 77 First Grade matches for the Eels. He has scored 376 points, and holds the Parramatta Club record for most points in a First Grade game, scoring 28 against Penrith in March 2002. He was named Rookie of the Year in 1999.

Graham (19) made his first Grade Debut for Parramatta in 2002. He has played 21 First Grade games and scored 11 tries. He was named Rookie of the Year in 2002. He hails from Cairns in Queensland.

Parramatta Eels Head Coach Brian Smith was delighted with the news.

?It is great news for the Club. Although still only young, Burty is tremendously popular both with supporters and everyone here at Parramatta, while Ash showed great versatility in his first real year in the top grade last year, and we are all eagerly awaiting his return from injury,? Smith said.