The Daily Telegraph is reporting that Parramatta Eels have secured their first recruit for the 2022 season, former Titans dummy half Mitch Rein. In my recent Bumpers Up column I discussed the club’s pursuit of the off-contract Titan. Most supporters…
Bumpers Up – October 15, 2021: Hello Goodbye?
Are we officially in the silly season or is there another name for this time of the year? The footy has wrapped up, players are on holidays, but clubs and player agents are looking for partners in their annual…
Vale Norm Provan – An Eels Tribute
The rugby league world is today mourning the loss of Norm “Sticks” Provan. Immortalised alongside Arthur Summons on the NRL Premiership Trophy, the tall second rower won ten premierships with the Dragons, including four as captain/coach, and was a representative…
The NRL’s Most “Poachable”?
Time for an off-season hypothetical. The NRL has decided that the 17th franchise needs a helping hand to get a competitive roster assembled. Lord Peter V’landys has decreed that every NRL player, with the exception of Origin or test…
Breaking Eels News – Brad Arthur Signs A Two Year Extension
In a massive vote of confidence, news is breaking that the Parramatta Eels have extended the contract of coach Brad Arthur until the end of 2024. Stability has been the key to the Eels consistent performances, and that consistency has…
Bumpers Up – October 4, 2021: Post Season Reflections
The end of the season – a time of reflection. The Panthers are the premiers and 15 clubs are involved in post mortems. Was this year a case of what could have been for the Eels or for any other…
The Spotlight – September 24, 2021: Astute Eels Management Predicted to Extend Arthur’s Contract
Less than two months ago, the Eels were in the middle of a four match losing streak. Predictably, the media launched into the hackneyed “coach sacking” narrative, and names like Brad Fittler, Shane Flanagan and Paul Green were touted as…
Bumpers Up – September 21, 2021: Finals Fallout
What a match! I can’t recall too many finals to compare with the intensity and standard of what the Eels and Panthers provided for eighty exciting minutes. Similarly, I can’t recall many clashes during the NRL era where a…