“If you can believe it, the mind can achieve it.” – Ronnie Lott (American football Hall of Famer)
Belief. This is where the journey to success in any endeavour begins. Without this foundation, there is little to build from.
Let me assure fellow Eels supporters that belief is there in abundance in this Parramatta team.
It was there back in November 2016 as the team assembled for pre-season training. The sins of past administration had denied a resilient Eels team the right to play in the finals series two months earlier, but the squad knew they belonged there.
Belief was still there earlier this year when a string of four successive losses saw those of little faith applying the war paint for their predictable keyboard warrior attacks.
It was evident on a cold June night when less than 10k people turned up to watch Parra scrap their way to a victory over an out-of-sorts Warriors team. It was a result that earned few plaudits, yet it was the second win in a sequence of matches which saw the blue and golds take the points in 11 out of 13 rounds.
And finally, the belief was on display for the entire rugby league world as the Eels took the Storm to their limits in Melbourne in spite of a lop-sided penalty count that would have seen other teams wilt under the pressure.
This has been no easy season.
Significant injuries to DeGois, Pritchard, Gutherson and French have impacted the spine. Long term absences of Terepo and Pritchard took size from the pack. Beau Scott’s bicep damage came close to prematurely ending his season.
But the team, the coaches, never faltered. Players stepped up, just as the football department believed that they would. Will Smith, Cameron King, Kirisome Auva’a, Danny Alvaro – these players haven’t just filled a role, they’ve been instrumental in taking the Eels into the Top 4.
No game has been a gift. No clash lacking edge of the seat moments for fans. Few 50/50 calls have fallen the Eels way in a season which has seen them lose the penalty count in over 2/3 of their matches.
But this self-belief has remained a constant. An outstanding record against other top 8 teams has been proof-positive of a team that lifts because they know they can.
At the beginning of this season I dared to dream, just as I do every year. Maybe this year I did so with more conviction.
A season spent watching the team prepare on a weekly basis fuelled the conviction.
Now, as the Eels prepare to take on the 2015 Premiers in a home elimination final, I believe.
I believe that Parramatta have the team, the talent, the coaches to give this Premiership an almighty shake.
The future is certainly great, and it is here, right now.
Our time to get behind the team is now.
See you at ANZ Stadium this Saturday.
Believe!
Eels forever!
Sixties
I haven’t stopped believing in Parra since 1964. You can see the belief that this squad has in their ability. Theyre in this premiership up to their eyeballs. Go Parra!
They are mate! Good to see another 1960s vintage fan here!
Thanks Sixties. I’m also a believer. A big believer!
That you are mate, and once again great to finally meet you down in Melbourne.
I’ve been believing since 1964 as well, but no matter what happens tomorrow night , I’m so proud of this team and the coaching staff. I went to all the finals in 2009 and I’ll be there tomorrow night to cheer the boys on . Go Parra 💙💛💙💛
So, that means you currently have three more Eels games to attend this year Nonna! Go Parra!
I am sick of talking about referees but I am going to again.
I think that table in Sporting news showing an analysis of penalties awarded and received shows the struggle the Eels have endured all season
Not only were we heavily penalised but didn’t receive many penalties either. We suffered more than any other team with a differential of -40 points
Just have to do as we’ve done all year mate. Control what we can, and overcome what we can’t. We’re all just as frustrated, but the players believe.
After recently seeing ‘The Book of Mormon’ at the West End Sixties, I feel the title of this song aptly describes my feeling towards our team at the moment:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlbDHejQFV4#t=01m16s