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Sport

Sandow given all-clear in boost for Eels

February 12, 2012

Parramatta expect to be at full strength for Friday night's NRL trial against Penrith after marquee recruit Chris Sandow and prop Mitchell Allgood were yesterday cleared of concussion symptoms.

Sandow and Allgood left the field during Saturday night's 20-12 loss to Wests Tigers with head knocks, causing Sandow to vomit after the game.

The Eels will play their final trial before the regular season starts in March at Centrebet Stadium, with only lock Reni Maitua (ankle) expected to miss.

Star fullback Jarryd Hayne and tireless back-rower Nathan Hindmarsh will both face the Panthers after being rested against the Tigers, leaving coach Stephen Kearney with nearly a full complement of players at his disposal nearing the start of the season.

''Next week [against the Panthers] I want to get close to the 17, 18 players for the opening round,'' Kearney said.

''I'm going to have, while they won't be tough decisions, they'll be decisions I have to make this week.''

Kearney was impressed with the efforts of Justin Poore, Cheyse Blair and Joseph Paulo, who he said had built on a strong pre-season and were pressing their claims for the Eels' season-opener against Brisbane.

''Those guys that put their hand up tonight, I've always said that if you work hard during the pre-season, you give yourself the best opportunity to play in the trials,'' Kearney said.

The news wasn't as good for the Warriors, who will be without international front-rower Sam Rapira and his brother Steve for the start of the season. Sam suffered a shoulder injury in their 22-14 victory over the Gold Coast, while Steve injured his ankle, ruling the pair out for up to six weeks.

Beau Falloon's season could be over after the young hooker suffered a suspected torn bicep in the Gold Coast's 18-16 victory over Brisbane.

Titans coach John Cartwright could be more concerned about losing Kevin Gordon for the second year in a row, the winger leaving the field after taking a knock to the same knee that caused him to miss most of last season. He will have scans today.

North Queensland downed St George Illawarra 18-12 in Perth on Saturday night, and the Dragons will monitor injuries to Atelea Vea (knee) and Dan Hunt (ribs).