Eels to hand youngster NRL debut against Manly

The Eels are set to hand 19-year old Ethan Parry his NRL debut in Sunday's clash against Manly at Lottoland.

The youngster will come in for NSW Origin star Blake Ferguson, who has been battling a knee injury and needed to have fluid drained from his knee during the week.

Eels coach Brad Arthur confirmed the news on Saturday afternoon.

"He's (Ferguson) had a bit of time off but he's picked up an infection in his knee and we'll give him a rest for this game," Arthur told reporters.

"It gives us an opportunity to bring in Ethan Parry and see how he goes."

Parry has been on the cusp of a first-grade selection for weeks as a part of the Eels' extended squad.

He has scored five tries in 15 appearances this season for Parramatta’s feeder club Wentworthville.