Opacic eyes career test replacing Jennings

Opacic remains the favourite to replace Jennings at left centre, after the Parramatta veteran tested positive to a performance-enhancing drug last year.

The 26-year-old Opacic arrived from North Queensland over the summer but is only on a one-year NRL deal.

A knee injury and selections kept Opacic to just five games for the Cowboys in 2020, and he also endured a stop-start beginning to his NRL career at Brisbane.

Jennings' situation has rarely been spoken about at the Eels, but five years after his debut Opacic knows this is his best opportunity to nail down a regular slot.

"Only being a one-year deal is hard," Opacic told AAP.

"This is my third NRL club now and being in two systems before it probably is a make-or-break year for me.

"I really have to knuckle down and put my best performance in me.

"The goal is to stay at Parramatta long-term and make the spot mine and kick on with it."

Opacic get his chance in Saturday night's final trial against Penrith, as one of a raft of NRL players fighting for starts this weekend.

But the position is largely seen as already his.

Main challenger Michael Oldfield has been ruled out for the opening rounds of the season with a knee injury, while Haze Dunster is viewed as more of a winger.

Meanwhile ,Opacic can at least see the silver lining of his frustrating 2020, given he hasn't played since August with no Queensland Cup option.

"If anything I am a bit stronger this year," Opacic said.

"I have concentrated on more of my lower body strength than ever. I can definitely see changes and feel the difference out there running.

"Only playing the five games of NRL last year and the first round of Q Cup, my body is feeling good.

"There are no niggling injuries. Every other year you go into the season feeling a bit sore but this year I am feeling good.

"I am sure if I can put another 80 minute performance in and play well, hopefully (centre will be mine)."

Australian Associated Press