The role of being a match official in any sport is mostly a thankless task. When weighed on the “fair go” scales, the balance of public appreciation tips heavily towards “abused” rather than “valued”. These whistle-blowing athletes must truly love…
From The Stands – August 6, 2025: Stay The Course
Recently, I wrote about my fears that our Eels team would not be equipped to compete as they should for the remainder of the season. I didn’t agree with Jason Ryles’ decision to leave Dylan Brown on the sideline and…
The Spotlight – August 5, 2025: NRL Player Drain Looms Larger Than Most Realise
So tell me, did you have concerns about the impact of two franchises entering the NRL and what it might mean for filling the rosters at those new clubs? Were you worried about how the player market, and the limited…
Off the Cumberland Fence – July 2025: A History Of The Slippery Eels Bucking The Broncos
Well, what a win that was on Friday night! It was certainly one to remember, and a sure sign that these baby Eels are a team on the rise. Even though it was an early morning from where I was…
Post Game Grades – Round 21 vs Broncos
The Cumberland Throw’s patented, award winning post game grades for the Parramatta Eels’ round 21 2025 clash with the Brisbane Broncos
Bumpers Up – July 23, 2025: When Footy Is Essential
I’ll get straight to the point. It’s been some time since I’ve written about Parra or the footy, and this Bumpers Up column is for my benefit. It’s a selfish exercise. This week, I need to write. I need the…
From The Stands – July 16, 2025: Are Eels Matches Now Trial Games?
From The Stands has been a feature of The Cumberland Throw since 2018. That makes this year the eighth season of my column and my opinions. In all of those years, I don’t think I’ve submitted a column like this…
From The Stands – June 27, 2025: The New Parra Football Identity
Sunday night football is never going to sell well to people. We were one of just 8000 people to make the journey to CommBank last Sunday and we are so glad we did. Let me also point out that whilst…
Post Game Grades – Round 16 vs Titans
The Cumberland Throw’s patented, award winning post game grades for the Parramatta Eels’ round 14 2025 clash with the Gold Coast Titans
Off The Cumberland Fence Special Series, The Greatest – Part 8: Hooker
I have been stewing over the very difficult topic of naming Parramatta’s greatest ever hookers of the last 50 years. The topic was made even more difficult by the fact that the club’s two most capped hookers (John McMartin &…