Quitting on our Eels is not an option for my family. Hence, we attended Sunday’s game against the Dogs.

That’s not to say that we weren’t apprehensive or in fear of the scoreline.

However, when the final whistle blew, I left disappointed in defeat, as you should always be, but I left with something I did not have before the game. Belief that a new hero has emerged.

Moses is the Eels Batman, but my fear over the first two weeks was not about missing our Batman but more so about whether there is the passion, desire and skill set that is needed in those who surround him.

Our star halfback is the intellectual player who possesses unwavering determination and resourcefulness ; the brilliant play maker. He will make others better, much better when he returns. And that’s because he demands it.

Mitch Moses

But every hero, every Batman, needs a comrade in arms, a Robin if you will; the person he can rely on to face their rivals with resilience, bravery and smarts. With Gutho leaving I had serious doubts about who would stand alongside Moses to inspire the team. Over the past two weeks I watched Zac Lomax step up.

And as for what our new centre delivered against the Dogs, it was one that had supporters standing to applaud.

It wasn’t just the 300 or so running metres, though that was amazing in itself. It was all of the off the ball effort, the kick chases, the relentless effort that left him totally spent at the game’s end.

Zac Lomax

They say the aim for Batman and Robin is to attain justice. After decades falling short, it is just for Eels supporters to know what winning feels like.

Whilst it might be fair to expect our turn at enjoying success, it will not just happen because it should. The team need to be united in their belief that the new way is the right way. They cannot sit back and wait to be inspired by a dynamic duo.

The youth of the team are integral. Not only do they provide that energy, they are also the heroes, the leaders of the future. There are already glimpses of that.

Then there are those who’ve been into battle before. The senior group. Players who will provide the example for others to follow. Those who will guide the youth. Last week Junior truly showed that he can fill that role, whilst Josh Addo-Carr never stopped talking as he urged and directed those around him.

Finally we need the citizens, the fans, to get behind and provide the support. The roar as the Foxx scored his first try as an Eel was brilliant, and the passion was tangible.

When the dust settled last Sunday, and yet another loss was recorded, supporters did leave with the first glimpse of better times ahead.

For my family, sitting through a gripping eighty minutes against the Bulldogs was just what we needed. The Eels got into a game, they had a chance. As supporters we were able to cheer and support their efforts.

We were also able to witness the emergence of a new hero who stood tall for his new home against on old foe.

However, it was not a performance where the team could rest on their laurels. Far from it. Effort alone won’t secure victories but it forms part of the base that must never be absent in Eels teams. For supporters to have faith, especially when there are probably some rough times in the weeks to come, they must see that those who wear the colours are all in.

And whilst I can’t wait for Moses and Lomax to unite in battle for the first time as Eels, those better days for the citizens of PARRAdise will only come when more players step forward to be part of the Justice League.

Shelley

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