This will be short. I’m not so sure that it will be sweet.
My views on Parra 2018 summed up in 5 words:
Petulant
Attitude
Ruins
Rudderless
Assembly
It has been difficult but we made it. I normally lament my team’s last game but not this year. From the stands, and upon leaving ANZ stadium (our home ground for the last time), I closed firmly shut forever the horror story that was season 2018.
I have no control over 2019 results but my hopes are as follows:
I hope the year is positive. That means we need anything or anyone who will be a distraction or a destabilising force removed from the team and done so quickly.
I hope to be astonished both at the atmosphere generated at the new stadium and the skill and commitment displayed by rookies, Parra kids, as they pull on a first grade jumper.
I hope for a revival of trust between the fan base and players as we unite together and see a resurgence both on and off the field.
Finally, I hope that we achieve our ultimate best, but for that to happen we must rid ourselves of players who are petulant, or who have a stinking attitude, especially when things turn bad in a game, as they will ruin any hope we have of assembling each week a team that is anything but rudderless.
My personal hope is that the five words I will be able to use to describe Parra in 2019 are as follows:
Positive
Astonishing
Revival
Resurgence
Achievement
The choices made by coaches, players and administration in the next couple of weeks and or months will dictate which words I use to describe my team in 2019.
Make good choices, as even the most loyal of supporters cannot tolerate or accept a repeat of 2018 next year. Despite this disastrous year, this club, these coaches and this playing group at large will have my support in 2019. That is my choice, I hope they prove me to be correct.
Despite the difficult season, being able to share the journey with Parra supporters who stick solid and stay loyal has been my absolute pleasure.
Shelley
Shelley, I think all true eels supporters are behind you 100%, thanks for your very interesting and reflective posts for this year, and for a big 2019 for the eels and supporters.
As hard as the year was, I really feel we need to support the players/ coaches in 2019 because if we don’t the media will have a field day and create the fans v team/coaches storyline. BA has my support and the chance to rectify the obvious errors this year if he doesn’t and the results continue then at least he has been given a chance and change will occur. I really think a sprinkle of youth and some smart recruitment can make a big difference.
Spot on summary i think shelley ,the true supporters get it the rest are just fair weather followers , junior , lane , ferguson ,sivo , all starters , mahoney ,salmon ,kafusi stone already debuted , stefano ,brown , tui , dunster ,parry etc all ready to debut and the new wave is coming , the trick is going to be getting rid of the driftwood i imagine but the review will be ruthless as will the fallout , if expect BA to be given his chance to usher the new era in with a support staff to match for once , hagan and stuart were quitters while others were poorly treated inc kearney and hampered by fhe clown brigades infighting and self interests , we are just nearly out of it by end 2019 with a totally fixed salary cap so i hope we let someone finish the job unhampered for once .
well said Anon
I must admit when i watched the Flegg boys play against the Dragons Ethan Parry was impressive. Don’t know any more about him but he looked a class above those on the field and very athletic. A big, young, speedy outside back. Just what the modern game requires. I am sure there is much talent in the club hopefully we keep the right ones and surround them professional and driven senior players.
Ethan Parry was earmarked to be the first from that age group to play NRL. A badly broken ankle which took 2 operations and 18 months held him back. He has been picked to train with the NRL group in the pre season,could be a sign of expectations.
Thanks Shelley for your insightful views during the season. Honestly given from a loyal fan.
Thank you
Shelley, well said, as throughout 2018. You could probably write a book, but highlighting attitude and commitment is a great place to focus.
Each person is unique, but I sometimes think about who are the players you’d like to clone and drop a couple into your own team. You could say Burgess, Taumalolo,Thurston, but I can’t fault Gavin Cooper in the attitude stakes. Totally a team player, gives and takes, runs and tackles hard, backs up in attack and defence,doesn’t whinge, mentally tough as old leather, and physically like Ray Price keeps getting up and lining up for 80 minutes. Respects opponents, his club and the game. And while i’m daydreaming I measure our players against such a profile,not to find fault but to seek improvement…then I wake up exhausted.
Seeing Michael Jennings reaction the other night was hard to see but also gives me hope. Maybe some of them care a little more then what appeared. A strong pre season with them all starting early November is very much needed.