PARRAMATTA finally have some silverware to accompany their back-to-back booby prizes — and now they’re being told to hand it back.
News Limited can reveal a skirmish has erupted between the Eels and Roosters over the rightful holders of the Jack Gibson Cup, which Parramatta grabbed after last weekend’s upset win.
After claiming consecutive wooden spoons in the past two seasons, Eels players and officials were over the moon to accept the Cup that commemorates the late master coach.
The opposition were less enthused, believing they should have been awarded the prize for winning this season’s two matches on aggregate — 68-18.
Roosters CEO Brian Canavan confirmed his club had written to Eels boss Scott Seward to request the silverware be sent back.
“I think it might have been the excitement of a great win that made Parramatta think they were entitled to the trophy,” Canavan said.
“On the night it was my recollection that it was won on aggregate. They called (Roosters skipper) Anthony Minichiello on stage first, but then (Eels skipper) Tim Mannah went up there to get the trophy.
“It was very difficult to do anything while the ceremony was taking place, but we’ve since sent an e-mail informing Parramatta that it’s actually won on aggregate. We’ve got press releases from when the Jack Gibson Cup was first launched in 2008 to prove it.”
The hometown MC responsible for handing over the trophy, Paul Chippendale, confirmed a fired-up Roosters heavyweight approached him after the presentation.
“I didn’t know it was won on aggregate, but I have to accept blame — it’s not Parramatta’s fault,” Chippendale said. “When we were up on stage, Mini did have a strange look on his face. I just thought he had the shits because he lost. When we finished, one of their officials walked up to me. He wasn’t happy.”
Despite Chippendale’s admission, Seward was yesterday exploring avenues to keep the trophy at Parramatta HQ.
He contended that when the Eels accepted the prize in 2008, they also lost on aggregate, proving it was awarded at a “one-off” match each season.
Replies
wtf im so confused
great response Simon!! - where's the like button?
Bad bad Sports. But any NRL fan already knows that with how much they spend on their team.
We don't need a trophy to tell us, the wooden spooners (with our full complement of players) beat the club world champions (with their full compliment of players), fair and square.
In the spirit of Jack Gibson played well Parra done good.
Dumb Clucks!
Sore losers, maybe we should send it over with a wooden spoon?
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