The Parramatta Eels 2001 side ranks as one of the finest Teams Parramatta produced - with their breathtaking attacking style - This is a MUST for lovers of Rugby League.
Sadly, History will have this side "shelved" as an also ran - despite SMASHING all the scoring records with a style rarely seen that was explosive, expansive, opportunistic and a truly exciting brand of Rugby League
This is simply my own personal Tribute and Thank you for one of MOST thrilling seasons of my life following my beloved and often beleaguered Parramatta Eels
The parallels, fortunes & outcomes for the 2001 Eels are nearly identical to all but forgotten 1977 Team. Despite both failing at the final hurdle they are often relegated as an afterthought -
In my humble opinion the 1977 & 2001 Eels rank as some of the finest Teams that Parramatta ever produced.
Just sit back and marvel (like I did) and focus on what the 2001 Team DID DO and not what they didn't........and that was for about 26 weeks played some of the GREATEST Ruby League EVER PLAYED and breaking many scoring records
Tele1
All credit to gragoe for the original uploads - I edited them & combined Parts 1,2 & 3 to pay tribute to the breathtaking 2001 Parramatta Eels - you can find the originals here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9emtJBBjBDM&t=1006s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojzyoPd4hyQ&t=23s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oehOr4T7km4&t=9s
1. Brett Hodgson
2. Luke Burt
3. Jamie Lyon
4. David Vaeliki
5. Jason Moodie
6. Michael Buettner
7. Jason Taylor
8. Nathan Cayless
9. Brad Drew
10. Michael Vella
11. Nathan Hindmarsh
12. Ian Hindmarsh
13. Daniel Wagon
14. PJ Marsh
15. Andrew Ryan
16. David Solomona
17. Alex Chan
Chad Robinson
Scott Donald
Daniel Irvine
Pat Richards
Danny Sullivan
David Westley
Ben Duckworth
Replies
Well said Tad.
Thank you BEM for being brave and watching and enjoying for what it was - the 2001 side had NO right to play that brilliantly - the entire side over achieved and somehow managed to sustain it for an entire year
Incredible
- look a Taylor Drew Buetner Hogson and Vialeki and basically everybody in that 2001 side NEVER EVER played like that before or since - and I agree - how can you NOT just LOVE it
I agree with the heartbreak - let me tell you my 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978 odyssey through Hell and Heartbreak some other time - I know the heartache that all Parra fans endure
But the 2001 side was VERY SPECIAL and not long from now will be enduring it's 20year anniversary
They have done their time in purgatory
The 2001 side NEED not only some love from the fans but also need to be recognised and repected for what thet DID achive - The GREATEST ATTACKING TEAM TO EVER PLAY - they broke all the records - they have no place being associated with the malaise of mediocrity that PLENTY of other Parra sides produced since 1947 - and it is our responsibility to keep the 2001 flame burning
They WERE the BEST attacking side to have EVER played the game (think about that.......EVER!!) - along the way smashing the Roosters 66 year old try scoring record of 131 trys in a season - set back in 1931 - think about that - most points in a season and averaged over 30 the entire year BUT more importantly did it by playing a total team game - from memory there is only a handful trys scored from bombs - the majority of scores was a result of the finest teamwork & trust ever produced....EVER !!! &- sustained for en ENTIRE season
Even though there was no fairytale ending that this Team really should have got - we can sheepishly admit (while turning a blind eye) that the other side DID have arguably the greatest player of all time in Andrew Johns - lessening their culpability by just the smallest smidges - but no more
It still does not lessen just how Special this once in a lifetime Footy Team really were
I tell you I am SO DARNED PROUD of this Team.........but it's taken nearly 20 years to fall back in love with them
Those that were there in 2001
You DO REMEMBER the love affair we all had
Don't you !!!!
Great to see you posting Tele, always been one of the most astute on this site, its amazing just how much stuff youve been right on over the years when im occasionally reading through old blogs, hope youve been well mate
Nice 1 Snakeyboy :) - trying desperately to keep my love for Parra alive and trying to stay positive - hence the break from posting - been lurking and biting my tongue
But I thought the site needed cheering up
So PLEASE - if you or anyone have not seen the entire 58mins (minus GF of course) just appreciate the 2001 side for what they were
THE BEST ATTACKING SIDE IN RUGBY LEAGUE HISTORY - not a bad second prize when you think about it - I watched it 4 times in less than 24hrs - and that is on top of the hours of editing
JOY - pure unadulterated JOY
Appreciate the 2001 MASTERPIECE for what it is
A Masterpiece - an unfinished Masterpiece
An entire season of the BEST Rugby League EVER PLAYED..........think about that for a while
Makes the finale more bitter as a result - I get that
But the footy is so darned good - it's impossible not to marvel
But boy - What a Team!!!!!
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