As the hours approach to our final match at Pirtek Stadium in it’s current format, I must admit Eels fans, I’m starting to romanticize the years gone by at our beloved home ground.

In the spirit of such, I have decided to write a special piece to the ground that was purpose built for our team as opposed to my opposition analysis.

I hope you all enjoy the read and share all your special memories (rugby league or not) from our time at Pirtek Stadium (1986-2016).

It was 1986 that your gates were first open, to the roars of the blue and gold crowd.

Even on day one records were broken, as the Eels faithful stood there oh so proud.

As we recall those great moments from seasons gone by,

We all remember those special tackles, one pointers, goals and tries!

Be it Sharpy on day one or Cronin and Price’s farewell,

To the days where Lyon scored five or anytime Hayne gave opposition teams hell!

A Tahu slamdunk and Hindmarsh that tackling machine,

Or that semi against North Sydney, where our defence was the best we’ve ever seen!

A Cayless field goal and Sterlo’s last game,

To the day Des broke the door off the dressing room and Parra beat Manly again.

And then there was Jason Taylor who stood atop the point scoring board,

Or the 2001 Eels in general, who played attacking football we adored.

Be it a Kenny dummy or that time we beat Great Britain,

Every single game, history was being written.

How about Lee Oudenryn and his race with Offiah?

And all those cliff hangers that went right down to the wire.

Let’s not forget the time MJ visited or even the Queen,

Or those boys in the red and black who brought soccer to the scene.

They’ve all played their part in telling the Pirtek story,

Be it through seasons of obscurity, special events or grand final glory!

But if there is something we all yearn for and remember still,

it’s those Sunday afternoons spent cheering on the blue and gold,

both in Spring’s warmth and Winter’s chill.

And while we walk away premiers just once, there is something we’ll never forget,

We will always look back on our times spent at Pirtek, full of happiness and without regret.

Clint

All images courtesy of the Parramatta Eels, NRL.com and Getty Images.

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