The Cumberland Throw

Merry Christmas To You & Happy 4th Birthday To Us

Exactly four years ago, The Cumberland Throw was born.

We were just a small group of wide-eyed youngsters determined to share our passion for the Eels with fellow supporters. Fortunately, we found an equally passionate readership which has continued to grow since that first day. At this point, our visitor numbers have climbed past 1.5 million.

People don’t visit the Cumberland Throw for rumours. That’s not our go.

For us, it’s about Parra, the footy, and the people who make that happen. From Junior Reps to NRL, we aim to cover it as best we can.

And there’s been plenty to digest during this fourth year.

With last New Year’s Eve upon us, Mitch published the first profile on Dylan Brown and didn’t supporters enjoy that! It rapidly became the most popular post in TCT’s history and it was soon followed by the deluge of mainstream media interest in his story. I kept myself busy throughout January with the preseason reports and the last of the preseason junior rep trials. When those opposed sessions start to get serious I really start to crave an NRL fix. I reckon I’m not alone. 


In February, our American friend, Neil Tredray shared the story of how he fell in love with the Eels, a post which continues to attract readers every week. Neil’s on a quest to spread the Eels gospel to another 300 million or so in the USA – I can’t see that being too difficult. As the month continued, Forty proved yet again that he was the king of the live blogs with coverage of the CC and Flegg trials against North Sydney, and the NRL trial against the Raiders. Meanwhile, Central Coast correspondent Milo brought us coverage of the first round of Junior Reps. There’s TCT people on the ground everywhere!

March saw the conclusion of my preseason training reports, and it also saw Forty and I visit and report on the Giant Steps School. The Eels have a terrific partnership with this remarkable school for students with autism. Very soon afterwards, the League Life Program on Fox League would feature the school and the work of the young Eels players. Forty’s live blogs of the lower grade trials against the Panthers wrapped up the preseason  and as the NRL season commenced with a glorious victory, the sweetness of the win was reflected in Mitch’s ever popular “Post Game Grades”, Forty’s “Whiskey Musings”, Colmac’s “Stats That Matta” and Shelley’s “From The Stands”. Memo Riff supporters, if you’re going to throw those coins at us in the stands, can you at least make them goldies?

That moment!

April heralded the return home to Bankwest Stadium, and the 51 to 6 victory over the West’s Tigers in front of a sell out crowd solidified the Eels solid start to the season. Parra would go on to place in the top 8 after every round of the Premiership. Sorry, who’s home ground is it? By the way, pass the salt please.

May mixed the good, the bad and the sad. On the good news front, the Federal Government Grant towards the Kellyville Centre of Excellence was announced. The bad was the hammering at the hands of Melbourne during the Magic Round. Unfortunately, the sad news came with the passing of Eels legend, Dennis “Big D” Anderson. Parra’s in the  tunnel mate!

It was a strange brew on the footy front in June. An embarrassing loss against the Sharks had the Shire players laughing on the sideline and Gus and Gallen doubling down by declaring that late Eels tries had come from boredom. Kaysa Pritchard announced his retirement. Later in the month the Eels would come from 16 nil down to defeat Canberra, the eventual grand finalists, 22 to 16. How’d that taste Ricky, me old mate?

In July we were left wondering about Parra’s claims to finals footy after their 36 to 24 loss to arch rivals Manly. A tough fought victory over the Warriors in Waqa Blake’s debut match seemed to right the ship, though there was plenty of bleating from across the ditch about a forward pass call. Hey fullas, it was so far forward he should have been marched for a professional foul!

Maika and Joeli

August was another month of mixed footy blessings for the Eels. Victories over the Dragons, the Knights and the Titans had Parra fans dreaming of a Top 4 finish. Consecutive losses to the Dogs and the Broncos soon removed any possibility of two bites at the finals cherry. Off the field, Parramatta Chaplain George Dansey sat down with Forty and I to discuss his role at the club, and within seven days he was organising for Maika Sivo’s father to surprise his son. Bula George!

The joy was unfortunately followed by the pain in September. Off the field Eels Chairman Sean McElduff spoke with TCT about PLC constitutional reform and how that would benefit the football operation. The Club announced that Reagan Campbell-Gillard had signed a five year deal to commence in 2020. God bless the Riff for their generosity in now covering a chunk of two contracts. On the field, revenge was sweet as the Eels thumped Manly to leapfrog them into fifth place at season’s end. The grades were crazy! Fans were also treated to an inner sanctum experience as cameras were allowed to record Brad Arthur’s instructions and reactions during that clash. Ecstasy ensued the following week as records were set in the Eels 58 to nil demolition of the Broncos in the first week of the finals. One week later the season was over for Parra when the Storm delivered a hiding of their own. Wenty surged late in the season and with Tim Mannah’s career coming to a close, had one hand on the Canterbury Cup trophy, only to be robbed by an erroneous late penalty and then a freak try in extra time. Damn you referees! We weren’t even wearing Blue and Gold…

In October we farewelled Eels CEO Bernie Gurr. The club owes much to Gurr’s guidance out of the mess that was 2016. The march forward has not been an easy one, but the trust and confidence from supporters and corporate partners has gradually been restored. The NRL draw for 2020 was released and Forty broke down the early away match load and the terrific run home. No excuses baby, bring it on!

In November, TCT examined concerns about the retention processes in Parramatta’s junior pathways. There was no shortage of interest in the topic as it became one of our highest viewed posts.  Early in the month, the Eels officially announced the recruitment of Ryan Matterson, ending months of speculation about the Parra junior returning home. Speculation also ended around the new CEO appointment as Jim Sarantinos was announced by the club. Preseason training kicked off with a staggered return for the players after post-season rep games. No Gutho at Saleyards = others getting the chance to lead the conditioning runs.

A far cry from Old Saleyards!

December kicked off in a big way with the announcement of Joey Johns’ appointment to the Eels coaching staff. It’s then a massive end to 2019 as constitutional reform is finally passed for Parra Leagues Club, and the Eels administration and football department move into their new headquarters at Kellyville. Hello future!

As we wind up this fourth year, a massive thanks to The Cumberland Throw’s sponsors – Easily Green Energy Solutions and Starr Partners Real Estate Auburn and Narellan. These companies are big supporters of the Eels and their sponsorship helps us to keep the Parra news coming your way.

On behalf of the TCT fellas and our extended crew of contributors and friends, I extend our thanks to our loyal readers for your support over the last 12 months. I’d also like to extend our appreciation to the coaches, players and staff at the Eels who’ve allowed TCT access to training and taken the time to speak with us throughout the year. 

Here’s to a great year ahead. I’ve got a feeling that 2020 will be a ripper…

Eels forever!

Sixties

If you liked this article, you might consider supporting The Cumberland Throw.

29 thoughts on “Merry Christmas To You & Happy 4th Birthday To Us

  1. Eggman

    Merry Xmas everyone, I think we all have the same thing on top of our list of what we want, so have a great season and may y’all get what you really want.

      1. Jpe Briffa

        Mate, youngsters, well i suppose compared to me you are all pups but mate to all of the TCT gang thanks and all the best take care and like everybody looking forward to 2020 and reading more about our great club take it easy mate and see you soon

        1. sixties

          You’re the first one to pick up on my youngsters line Joe! Look forward to catching up soon mate, maybe Junior Reps? Have a terrific Christmas and New Year.

  2. Fletch

    Great job Sixties, you and the other TCT boys provide a genuine service to we long suffering, and celebrating, Eels fans. The reports, stories and interviews on TCT are the envy of many fans of other clubs. I was truly honoured when you asked me to report on the last training session at the old Saleyards, the thought that I might contribute a little bit to what you guys do was special. Thank you for that.
    Well, onwards and upwards. I believe the Eels have all the pieces of the puzzle this year to achieve great things, let’s see if they can build it.
    Merry Christmas.

    1. sixties

      Cheers Fletch. You did a superb job and had more reads than many of my training posts! It’s always good to have a different “voice” report on the hard work of the team. Merry Christmas.

  3. Jeff Cooke

    Thanks guys for the great reports throughout the year. I don’t miss an issue of TCT, it’s pure Parra without the bullshit. Merry Christmas to you all and all blue and gold fans.

  4. Paul taylor

    Congratulations to you and your team mate . This site is the most professional, informative and accurate reporting of all things Parra . You have found your niche market and anyone who comes in here is committed to supporting this great club towards our next date with glory .

    Have a safe Christmas , eat plenty , drink lots and laugh loudly . Too much bad stuff always around the corner .

    Merry Xmas mate

    Paul

    1. sixties

      Thanks for the kind words Paul, though I have been told that I should be committed!!!
      Hope it’s a wonderful Christmas for you and your family too mate. Don’t worry, I’ll be aiming for excesses of the good stuff myself.

  5. Gazzamatta

    “Must” reading for every Eels fan and many who aren’t.
    Many thanks for every snippet you provide.
    TCT is my drug and my addiction is strong.
    Merry Christmas Team.
    My Christmas wishes are.
    . Relief from the bush fires.
    . Much needed rain for our farmers.
    . An Eels premership
    Not too much to ask I reckon.

    1. sixties

      Cheers Gazza. I’m reminded of a Roxy Music song with those kind words. By the way, I’ll second those Christmas wishes.

  6. You know who !!

    Without a doubt this site sets the standards , training reports , profiles , interviews , juniors insights this site has it all but the real winner here is the standards maintained within , everyones opinion is valid and welcomed provided its done in the right way ,no bullying ,racism ,religious vilification or demeaning of people , intelligent people running the best supporters website in the nrl ,your a credit to our club . Merry christmas boys .

    1. sixties

      Cheers for the kind words mate. The Eels supporters who follow TCT and those who reply and offer intelligent and respectful opinions are one of our greatest assets. Merry Christmas.

  7. BDon

    When Jack Gibson talked about the front office near 40 years back, I thought I had some idea about the full spectrum of how a successful Rugby League club operated. I’ve learned over the past couple of years that I didn’t know much at all. Thanks TCT for the education. More power to you, and the Eels.

  8. Colin Hussey

    The old has gone the new is come. That’s how I am looking to the club, players, staff and those here on TCT, its been a somewhat mixed year, but for a club many thought would not be part of the end of year games, we did well, how many rounds were we outside the 8? Whodathoughtit, would be possible, same as the lookout at Quirndi. Its not until you go up to that lookout and see the surrounds, from higher up and the hill is not great really thus the name given to that lookout, whodathought it could be this good.

    For all the reports, insights and detail I doubt there would be any other club or webb site that provides what eels supporters have at their front when tuned in for these updates.

    Thanks to all those involved, I have met only 2 writers face to face on one occasion each, but in what I see & read while not face to face its better than I could imagine.

    Thanks to all, and to all a Blessed Christmas and great new yea.

    1. sixties

      Cheers Colin, it was a pleasure to meet you a couple of years back. Might see you again soon eh! Thanks for the compliments.
      Merry Christmas.

  9. Milo

    Congrats to our TCT team; its been the best reading and i enjoy the weekly updates during the season with team lists along with the live blogs.
    I sneak in my weekly updates at work (and need to be careful).
    The off-season was tough before 2015 but the TCT crew brought us home and in some way and made us armchair or screen addicts again. I recall the moment when i first read the article on TCT, and can recall where i was in Lake Macquarie.
    It has been a superb journey with so many insights.
    We are lucky to have so many dedicated fans who run this site and are indebted to their time and effort.
    The interviews too have been amazing. Bernie for me was a highlight.
    Let us hope the New Year and Christmas bring us good health; enjoyment on and off the field and some strong consistency around our football club / teams.
    Enjoy the Christmas festivities and New Year and shall we hope the fires drop off and the country gets much needed precipitation.
    I just watched again the semi final from 86….where we beat C’Bury. Great memories.

    1. sixties

      Cheers Milo, and thank you for being our correspondent when training and junior reps found their way up the coast. We’re fortunate to have associates, such as yourself, Fletch, The Daniel, Ham, and Parrathruandthru who’ve been able to write posts or send updates from venues.
      I’ve really enjoyed being able to interview Eels people over the years. I’ve learnt a stack from those. A special highlight for me was chatting to Eric Grothe before his interview and sharing my memory of a reserve grade moment when he chased down Ron Coote. I didn’t think he’d remember that, given he had so many big moments in his career. But he remembered it vividly and shared a background story to that match.
      Merry Christmas mate. See you soon.

      1. Milo

        Thanks Sixties.
        It’s an absolute pleasure to be able to help out when the eels venture up this way. I will use my RFF if needed!! We are lucky to have the chance to help out with the main ‘correspondents’.
        The Guru was special. So many memories there.

  10. Trouser Eel

    What a year! I can’t wait to see what the next one has in store. As always I’m sure TCT will be there to keep us informed.
    I can’t let the wide eyed youngsters comment go though. I guess time is an abstract concept, more so for some than others.

    Have a Merry Christmas everyone.

    1. sixties

      Ok – “youngsters” may be a stretch, or more applicable to some, not all. I’ll go with the illusion of relative anonymity in writing that!
      Looking forward to 2020.
      TCT’s fifth year has now begun.
      Merry Christmas mate.

  11. Susan

    Congratulations TCT team on another great year. I really look forward to reading all your content which I love for its passion, detail and humour. Merry Christmas to all and go the Eels! 💛💙

  12. Geeza

    Congrats on 4 years! Y’all have done an amazing job creating a space full of authentic information and opinion unlike anything else.

    Since the beginning of TCT I certainly have enjoyed being able to delve into all things Eels and greatly appreciate the time and effort not only for every article and interview but for remaining true to the purpose with great integrity.

    So again, thanks to you all and keep pressing forward because you are galvanizing an entire club and its supporters from across the globe!

    Blessings for the new year and Let’s soar in 2020!!

    B&G always…

    1. sixties

      Cheers Geeza. Very kind words. Hasn’t there been a bit to challenge Eels supporters over the last 4 years! Cap scandal, wooden spoon year for starters. But in reality, most Eels supporters are made of sterner stuff. Look at the membership numbers – already past 22K and charging towards another record year.
      Here’s to whatever 2020 brings – I reckon it will be fun.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

%d bloggers like this: