WESTERN rugby league fans will get their first taste of footy next weekend when three Manly Sea Eagles players land in Dubbo for a pre-season community visit and junior rep trial.

The Sea Eagles converge on Caltex Park sporting complex next Saturday, January 23, attending a mini-mod clinic, and community barbecue before the Harold Matthews (under-16s) and SG Ball (under-18s) teams take on Western Academies in trial matches in the late afternoon.

The junior clinic, catering for any interested boys and girls aged between five and 12 years of age will run from 10am-11.45am and is free to attend. 

Following the clinic fans will have an opportunity to mix with the players at a community barbecue hosted by Dubbo Junior Rugby League, taking place from 12pm-1.30pm at the JRL clubhouse.

Sea Eagles players Darcy Lussick, Josh Starling and Matt Parcell will attend the clinic, and community barbecue

In the late afternoon football will take centre stage on Caltex Park, from 4.00pm (16s) and 5.30pm (18s), emerging Sea Eagles stars take on the extended Western Academies squads.

After commencing training program in November, the Western squad, made up of Far West and Western Academy participants, will relish an opportunity to test themselves against quality opposition.

Among the Manly SG Ball squad will be a familiar face in Coonamble’s Brydon Ramien, a powerful front rower who will be keen to square off against some of his old team mates.

Lussick’s return will continue his love affair with Dubbo, after the big prop made his representative debut here back in 2014 when he was called into the City side that played out a thrilling draw with Country at Caltex Park.

Originally a Manly junior, Lussick spent some time at Parramatta before re-linking with the Sea Eagles at the end of the 2015 season as part of a recruitment drive that has many tipping the maroon-and-whites to once again be premiership contenders.