The Cumberland Throw

The Tip Sheet – 2021 Ep. 40: Eels Legends Series – Steve Ella, Live From Parra Leagues

The Tip Sheet is also available on Spotify and iTunes!

Before we all entered a second lockdown, before the entirety of the NRL competition was uprooted into QLD in a desperate (and successful) bid to keep the 2021 premiership alive, TCT enjoyed the incredible privilege of hosting several pregame shows at the Parramatta Leagues Club.

These experiences included some wonderful chats with former greats and colourful members of Parramatta’s blue and golden reign of the 1980s. We are re-releasing those sit-down discussions in their own right to celebrate some of the finest individuals to represent the club.

We start today with Steve Ella, the Zip-Zip Man, a storied member of one of the greatest backlines ever assembled in rugby league.

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6 thoughts on “The Tip Sheet – 2021 Ep. 40: Eels Legends Series – Steve Ella, Live From Parra Leagues

  1. Achilles' Eel

    An impressive aspect of the Zip-Zip Man’s game was his tremendous anticipation as a player. Both he and Bert had strong instincts for footy and a liberated spirit to play what was in front of them. They were footballing gods and virtuosi! (That’s still the child inside of me wanting to have its say.)

    In fact, as a child, I worshipped all Parramatta players of the 1980s, but it was the Zip-Zip Man whom I would model my own game on during junior footy competitions. Being of small stature myself and fleet of foot, why not? Unfortunately, unlike the great man himself, I would zip-zip into too many shoulders and so never get very far. Thanks for sharing fellas.

    1. sixties

      Our pleasure Achilles. I cannot express how humble, down to earth and open Steve was when we chatted.
      The part that resonated with me was when he spoke about the importance of the on field leadership in the team.

      1. Achilles' Eel

        Speaking of Parramatta Eels leadership during the 1980s, I can recall a game where Paul Taylor was made captain all because he had arrived at the ground earlier than Brett Kenny could. I can only imagine that Bert had chosen to walk to the ground on that day, much as he would when taking to the field, given how economical he could be in his movements prior to turning the magic on.

  2. pete

    Thanks for bringing this to us.
    Steve Ella was one of my all time favorites. He’s such a champion and was always a joy to watch.
    It’s interesting that he said that all the players were mates. I wonder how many of our current team could say that??

    1. sixties

      That has been evident in our experience speaking with these legends. They have maintained their annual get together over many years. Also, when we interviewed the Bear when TCT first started, he called the Crow while we were there to let him know what was going on. And when we chatted to the Crow and Edgie we did that as a double act and seeing the way they enjoy each other’s company to this day was terrific.

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