Hi All,
I will start by saying this - I have enjoyed the banter this off season. It filled in the last few months. Like many here I have a good feeling about 2015. I see this year as being a year where we can make a dent in one of the most important things in all walks of life - RESPECT. Each and every one of us want a Parramatta team that turns up each week, competes and is RESPECTED by the opposition. To get that, the individuals in the team need to live by some very simple ideals. It is not rocket science,
- Be the player that every player wants to play with. Lead by your actions
- Be the player that every opposition team hates to play against.
- Dont hide behind the scoreboard or the time clock. Play every minute like it was the first one.
- You earn Reputations and good ones are only earnt through hard work. The jumper alone does not give you the right to be respected.
- Understand what the emblem on that jumper means. In tough times know that touch times dont last but tough people do. Adversity is when life gives you a choice - flight or fight.
- Understand what the Parramatta eels brand is. What is means to wear that jumper, who has worn it before you and who will will wear it after you. How individuals play in that jumper will ultimately determine your reputation and the clubs reputation.
- What legacy will you leave. Will people in 50 years knod their heads when they read your name.
The addition of some noted hard man like CHOC will hopefully rub off on the many young blokes coming through. The difficulty is always that the current generation of players are living in the NOW and don't always grasp the big picture. I often speak to and listen to many successful people. The common theme in each and every one is the cornerstone of life. To achieve success you have to work hard and set high standards. You surround yourself with quality people who will support you. You learn,You try,you fail, you get back up, you learn some more and ultimately you succeed. It doesnt stop - you have to work harder to stay on top.
In a nutshell - the footprint for success is there. The back office is finally settled, the leaks to media have stopped. The coaching staff are building nicely, the players are a healthy blend of experience, journeyman, great talent and exciting rookies. To get RESPECT - they need to demonstrate to everyone from day 1 when they run out onto Pirtek stadium and the players touch the Parramatta sign they must touch it with all of those ideals inside them.
If each player can walk off that field and look Brad Arthur in the eye - they have done their job. As fans, we can ask for any more.
Scoreboards reflect on a result - RESPECT lasts a lot longer.
Replies
A lot of our guys wrap the ball up, which is fine, but last year the opp still got an offload away or our guys throw an arm out and don't effect the tackle.
The Eels will earn my respect if they tighten and toughen up in defense and don't drop their heads.
I'd like to add that the staff and administration need to have the same mental toughness at this time too. There are forces at play who, for illogical reasons, are trying to tear the club down. These people purport to be fans of the club and their actions are making the job harder for the people running our club. They too will need to be tough.
These aren't just ideals for the players... these are ideals we should all be living by.
Great blog Paul, im confident that respect is exactly what BA will be looking for this year, its a pity some players have to 'buy into' respect, lets hope blokes like Chock can help instil it in these young blokes who need to be taught about it.
I'm going to a Chock raffle.
Well put Paul. I agree that Parra fans have a good feeling about this year.
Slightly off-topic but I live on the Gold Coast and yesterday I took the missus on a little road trip to some craft markets in the middle of bumf*ck nowhere. All day I didn't see 1 Broncos, Cowboys or Titans jersey. And usually you can't get away from the ferals in Maroons jerseys but there were none of those either.
I saw 3 Eels jerseys though. Our reach is far and wide and I think Parra fans in general are pretty stoked with where the club is heading and can't wait for Round 1.