Parramatta greats Brett Kenny and Eric Grothe Sr said the Eels playing group earned their Mad Monday beers after a year from hell.
After a tough season, Eels players finally got to let their hair down when they met up for a drink at the Royal Oak Hotel in North Parramatta on Monday morning before taking a bus to the city, where they continued their celebrations on a boat.
Eels players endured the salary cap saga that resulted in a deduction of 12 competition points, injuries and the departure of star playmaker Kieran Foran during their horror season.
The players had a previous salary cap saga hanging over them during the pre-season as club officials had to put reforms in place to avoid starting the season with -4 competition points.
Parramatta Eels players arrive at the Royal Oak Hotel to begin Mad Monday celebrations.Captain Tim Mannah was dressed as a sailor on Monday, while teammates dressed as Super Mario, Robin, Where’s Wally, warriors and a hot dog.
Kenny, who once held the records for most games and tries for Parramatta, said he was in awe of the playing group’s efforts this season.
“They have done well in a very tough year,” Kenny said.
“I couldn’t blame them for having a couple more beers on top of what they’d normally drink.
“It’s a great chance for them to sit back and think of what they’ve achieved. I think they should be very proud.
“To play away from home and score 40 points and win the final game of the season shows the character of the players, coaches and the staff.”
Beau Scott and his Parramatta Eels team mates finished the season with a 40-18 win against New Zealand in Auckland on Sunday. Picture: Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty ImagesParramatta would have finished eighth on the NRL ladder and would be playing Brisbane in an elimination final this weekend if the club had not been deducted 12 points.
Grothe Sr said they should forget about the “what ifs” and enjoy some time away from football.
“I’m really proud of them,” Grothe Sr said.
“If they made the eight, they would have given it a good shake.
“I think most teams would be very happy they are not in the finals because they would be a stiff opposition.
“They will be happy with what’s ahead but, for now, it’s good that they let their hair down.”
Parramatta Eels players celebrated their 2016 season on Monday with a boat cruise.Parramatta players Manu Ma’u and Brad Takairangi were criticised for dressing up as prisoners to celebrate Mad Monday.
Victims of Crime Assistance League chief executive Robyn Cotterell-Jones said the choice of costume is not a good look for rugby league players, who are viewed as role models.
“They should be discouraging the idea that it is a good idea to be a criminal,” she said.
An Eels spokesman defended the choice of costume, saying it was not a reference to “criminal gangs”.
Brad Takairangi (right) was criticised for dressing up as a prisoner during Parramatta Eels’ Mad Monday celebrations.
Replies
Surprised Tep wasn't hassled for dressing up as a terrorist.
Let me guess Rothfield sent her a picture and asked for a comment
WOMBAT
Waste of money brains and time
In future Eels players must only dress as doctors and lawyers
RCJ should know that positive reinforcement is more important than negative
She should have complimented Kenny for dressing as a woman
Ma'u had a good reason to dress up in prison garb, having been one once. I'm sure he doesn't want to go back and has turned his life around.
Taka, well he's had a bet each way, prisoner and also a robber about to commit a crime by the look of it.
might be a tough ask trying to find a giant vagina in a costume shop
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