I just finished reading an article about Brad Thorn, still playing top flight rugby at age 39 for Leicester. Game 445 will be his next.
I immediately thought about Ray Price to equal Thorn's toughness and resilience.
Now Ray cops a bit from time to time from Eels supporters - never for his playing ability though.
I'm not much into the politics of the Club, but I thought it would be great for people to talk about Ray for a while. Particularly those of us who were fortunate enough to watch Mr Perpetual Motion play.
I'm not big on his stats (other than those provided on my framed & signed Parramatta Legends jersey). 259 games, 78 tries - not a bad strike rate for a forward not renowned for his attacking prowess, probably surprise a few people.
I think he played for the Wallabies as a flanker, and he also had at least one, if not two or more stints in England during/post his time with the Eels.
I loved him as a player. Thought Hindmarsh had a bit of Price 'blood' in him, and think Tepai may also (fingers crossed).
If this blog has been done before please bin Mods.
If not, I'd love to hear non-political stories the 1 Eyed members have about the great Ray Price.
Take us all on a walk down memory lane...
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At the Eels it was the same. I've never seen a bloke tackle like Pricey. Sure Raper & Coote were better technically and David "Cement" Gillespie hit harder but no one could do it as consistently as Pricey. This bloke was a good leader and he bled for our club.
Brad Thorn is an absolute hard man. Was talking about him to a collegue the other day when discussing Lote's longevity.
The bloke has played internation league for Australia, and union for the All Blacks in their 2003, and 2011 World Cup.
Didn't he bust his bicep this year but still wants to play on in Japanese Rugby next year?
I think without doubt, Ray Price (among others) was the catalyst for the Parramatta emergence in the 70's and culminating in four titles in the 80's, but Ray was the standout. Without doubt the best ever convert from Rugby Union to League IMO.
Embers, I have always felt uneasy about Rod Reddy at our club as a result of that match in 77. Do you remember the game at Kograh in 1978? Ron Hilditch and Pricey effected some level of revenge, although nothing to replace a lost premiership. Ron was sent off that day I recall.
Neil moved up to Mullumbimby in 1982 I think to play as a captain-coach. Dunno where he is now...
The tigers will need him, they have lost there first three games, first time in years
I remember John Gibbs once said that despite his penchant for taking out the opposition halfback, serial thug Les Boyd would never dare touch Sterling because he knew what Price would do to him.
Yeh I think Gibson's no violence edict would've been thrown out the window if Sterling got clobbered.
Fearnley had the same mantra as Gibson. You play hard but fair. No punching, gouging, kicking etc. Gibson's thought was basically if you could cop it, you'd spend longer on the field than your opponent.