The last time Casey McGuire played in the NRL, he threw a miracle pass in the 2006 grand final that led to the match-winning try for Brisbane against Melbourne.

Nearly five years on, the former Queensland utility has returned to Australia to link up with Parramatta following a stint in Super League with French side Les Catalans.

At 31, McGuire finds himself back where his career began 13 years ago.

"I played two games for Parramatta when I was 19 back in 1998 and have fond memories of the place and was delighted that I was given the chance to return," McGuire said on Wednesday.

The Eels have been widely written off by many this season following the losses of Feleti Mateo and Krisnan Inu to the Warriors, Nathan Cayless to retirement, plus Timana Tahu, whose contract was not renewed.

The team did show some strong signs in their trial matches, however, racking up over 60 points in two matches against Wests Tigers and Penrith and conceding just 12.

McGuire said he's unconcerned at claims the combination of old heads such as Carl Webb, Chris Walker and rookies Mitchell Allgood, Ryan Morgan and Taniela Lasalo will make the Eels nothing more than also-rans.

"The youngsters look real good players and the coach is very confident they can do a job," McGuire said.

"Us older guys take things people say in our stride but I guess it would be satisfying to prove some people wrong.

"We don't really pay much attention to what others are saying, we have trained really well and had some good results in the trials.

"The mood is good and we will take on the Warriors full of confidence on Saturday."

McGuire will play at hooker in Auckland and despite having played at halfback and five-eighth in the past, is more than happy at dummy-half.

"I like playing there and enjoy seeing a lot of the ball," he said.

"We have some real good players in this side, particularly in the backs and halves with Haynesy (Jarryd Hayne), Morts (Daniel Mortimer) and Jeff Robson.

"We have developed a good understanding and hopefully that will continue when the season starts and if my first game back against the Warriors can have a similar finish to the last one I played for Brisbane, it will be a great way to come back."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP