What is the benefit of rehashing past words?

Nothing that happened last Friday surprised me. It probably didn’t surprise any Eels supporter. The manner in which the Eels finished the season is a major disappointment and it’s just not good enough.

I will trust those in charge to make the changes needed to make sure that this time next year supporters like you and I are gearing up to watch our beloved Eels playing finals football. If the people in positions of responsibility cannot rectify the current situation, or indeed make things worse and the club ends up repeating this year’s failure, then how I react will be a different matter altogether.

I have no doubt the team and staff are disappointed and upset with how things have turned out this year. I personally believe they care very much. Losses don’t sit well with coaches, but don’t expect them to throw the players under a bus in press conferences. The players don’t go out with the intent to lose. If they don’t play to the best of their ability, or if their best isn’t good enough to defeat quality opponents, it gives no reason for supporters to launch personal attacks.

An all too familiar scene lately

It’s little wonder that many players stay away from social media or limit their interactions on it. Keyboard warriors think it’s their right to say whatever they want to say.

But can we expect any better from the average punter on the different platforms when professional journalists set the sort of example that a well-known columnist did over the weekend?

With not much more than his own click bait headline as evidence, this gossip journo made inferences that gave scant regard to how his reporting, and I use that word lightly, could impact a particular player and his family.

I don’t want to acknowledge the journalist. Nor do I want to add the name of the player and give oxygen to the garbage that was apparently written. Personally I refused to click on the article but I saw the fans’ reaction which provided all I needed to know. After everything has been said and done, I’ll simply remind the journo about those in glass houses.

Given the reach of mainstream media platforms, wouldn’t you think that there would be greater responsibility or accountability about what is written? I doubt that someone who writes a column like that would even give it a second thought.

Enough on that.

As we now approach the final round of the NRL season and therefore the last match of 2023 for our Eels, I’d like to leave you with these words:

I hope everyone, players, families, staff and just as importantly supporters have a great off season. May our times in the stands next year be far more enjoyable.

Shelley

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