It’s nearly time for Eels fans to face an unpleasant reality. I’m expecting that the confirmation of the NRL’s penalty for salary cap infringements is only days away. When that moment hits, Parramatta will lose 12 competition points and the likelihood of playing finals football will nearly be extinguished. As fans, the way that we respond to this outcome might prove to be the greatest challenge most of us have faced in supporting the Eels. So let’s consider what lies ahead..
Table Position
At the conclusion of Round 16, and with no points penalty, the Eels sit nicely in the top four on 22 Premiership points. This represents the same number of points achieved by the conclusion of the 2015 season. Under normal circumstances, this tally would be the ideal platform from which to launch a run home to the finals. Under normal circumstances, the media would be filled with stories about a Parramatta resurgence. Yet the impending NRL penalty has taken all of the headlines, and the great victories and wonderful individual and team performances have virtually dissolved into the background.
As fans, this is unbelievably frustrating. We enjoy watching television coverage and reading football reports and opinions. Yet in this resurgent season, Parramatta are never part of Premiership Finals discussions. Certainly, on the basis of results, they deserve to be. The Eels are unfortunately, and justifiably, ignored.
When the points are stripped the team will sit in or around the bottom four. It won’t be a reflection of their performances, and it will be a bitter pill to swallow.
Our Response As Fans
What defines us as supporters? Do we only get to the game to cheer on a team that can qualify for finals football?
Since 2009 I have asked for one thing. A team that gives everything on the field for their jersey. When this happens I’m proud to wear those colours in the stand. I take on a season ticket membership to be able to watch and cheer for my team live. I’ve done plenty of that so far this year. In 2016 the Parramatta team has exceeded my expectations through a resilience that flies in the face of ridiculous obstacles.
If the Eels can’t play for Premiership glory, then as fans we can provide them with the incentive of playing for receptive and appreciative crowds. Do we not enjoy watching Parramatta victories? This team is giving us plenty to cheer about. A Parramatta team that has essentially earned top 4 status deserves to play in front of sold out home crowds. Our disappointment about the loss of Premiership points should not be taken out on the players who keep giving their all, week in, week out.
The Eels deserve to see this – a full Pirtek Stadium.
Make A Stand
One of the co-founders of The Cumberland Throw has made a stand on behalf of Eels fans. Through Chris Losco, the Eels fans who are voting members of Parramatta Leagues Club have an opportunity to set the club on the path to professional board management. His proposal, seeking the merit selection of a new board, marks the first time in the Club’s history that the members have forced an EGM.
This proposal cannot be allowed to stop at the requisite signatures that Chris has collected. If you are a supporter of this club, you can do something to shape our future. Don’t wait for someone else to take this on whilst you sit passively hoping for change.
If you are a voting member, sign a petition and commit to attend the likely EGM.
If you are not a voting member, do your bit by talking to people who are or by spreading the word through social media.
Make a difference!
Chris Losco – his proposal offers a way to end board factionalism.
The Future
Brad Arthur has made two things known to us. Firstly, he is going nowhere and he wants the fans to know this. Secondly, no matter what this season has in store, Brad has told us that the Eels will be a stronger line up next year. The team still has its ambitions this year, but will continue to strengthen moving forward.
With the team continuing to produce on the field, and the vehicle to get things right off the field now available to fans, we need you, the supporters, to stand strong. Get behind the team. Get behind the push for merit selection of a Parramatta Board of Directors. Show the rugby league world – Blue and Gold, never fold!
Eels Forever
Sixties
I’ll be there. Rain or Shine. Can you imagine what it would be like if we did manage to win all our remaining games?
With our remaining draw, only 2 of the teams we play are sitting above us on the table. My logic tells me that all things being equal we have a 50/50 chance of still making the finals!
Regardless, the team will continue to get my support as long as they keep putting in.
What a challenge we face this week! The Sharks away, with them at pretty much full strength and on a massive roll. Will Mannah be back? Will Taka be back? What about Semi? It will be a case of needing everyone.
I’d also like to publicly acknowledge Trouser Eel here for his help with getting petitions signed. Trouser (Rob) was working with us before the game at ANZ, talking to fans about the Losco proposal.
Many thanks mate. It’s a great example of going that extra step as a fan to help to make our future better.
Thanks Sixties. I wouldn’t have done it if I didn’t believe in it.
60’s good stuff, if I was still in Sydney, it would have been a great year to follow the eels, despite all the crap that has been associated with the club & all true supporters. I am aiming to get down for membership & hopefully to watch a training session on Tuesday 12th & rejoin the club. I will be cheering in my own way, & would have made the trip for the EGM if membership was still there, still kicking myself for dropping out.
The news about BA is great, & am very much heartened by the overall attitude & determination by the whole team, coaches players & all. All that’s left as far as need is concerned is a real board that will take the office side of things so that respect is given at all levels, & received by those who deserve it most.
Mate, just keep spreading the word. Just because the petitions have been lodged, it does not mean that the work is anywhere near done. We need people to commit to its support and to commit to being there on the night of the EGM to ensure its success.
It’s never too late to take up membership. By signing up now ($40 for ten years) you are pledging to be involved in the future.
Our team is being put through hell this season so this is the time for us to stand proud & show our team & the rest of the comp what we are made of. I have been an Eels supporter since 1973 & in all that time I have never really given the board a second thought, I support the team, so in a season where our team are playing like champions under all the adversity & injuries I can’t see how I could be anything but proud of them. Bring it on NRL & media, We will not give up on our team because we are the Blue & Gold Army & everything you throw at us this year will make us even stronger going forward. I’m not saying my heart isn’t broken at the moment, but my love of the Mighty Eels can’t be broken. Stay Strong, Stay Proud & Wear your colours with a smile, Our team are playing great footy.
Spot on Jim and well said.
If not for the off field stuff, we’d be raving about our team sitting in fourth place.
The team has earned and deserve our support.