Eels Blogs

I have done similar blogs like this in the past but with new members on here and years past there could be new stories brought to the table. Also, with the doom and gloom of the club of late, i would like to turn the attention of discussion into something different, something that hopefully most here can share a story, either positive or negative, about someone they have come across.

I luckily have had my fair share of encounters with primarily Rugby League personalities. Luckily enough, have not come across any that i consider overly rude or anything like that. Had a few that were either straight forward, matter of fact or just signed something and moved on. That doesn't bother me too much. I have had a lot of great encounters though.

One i always remember is seeing Wayne Pearce in the tunnel of the old Parramatta Stadium before a game, he was on the sideline for Fox. I would have been only like 8 or 9 at the time. But i ran over to where the tunnel was, with my autograph book and asked Pearce for an autograph as he was heading up the tunnel. With a massive smile on his face he said "Absolutley champ". Asked me who my fav player was and do i play myself etc. I apologised saying sorry i am in an Eels jersey not a Tigers jersey, his response was "Even better, you are a League fan". Just truly a gentleman.

Another was Daniel Wagon. Went to an open training session at the old stadium again. Halfway through, majority of the players started to leave early, many not wanting to be there and meh so be it still cool to see an open session of some sorts. There wasn't many of us there as it was a special event i believe we won a prize too or something. Anyway, towards the end, Wagon came over to our seats where all the fans were, probably 20-30 of us still there. He got us all to come over, apologised on behalf of the club for all the players leaving and thanked us for coming. Opened the gate and took us up tunnel and showed us around the stadium. It was great and he was so generous with his time. Saw poor John Morris leaving a room in crutches after breaking his leg and Wagon demanded him to sign some stuff. Went out the back and he saw Eric Grothe in his car just doing whatever and got him out to take some pictures and sign some things. It would have been a good 45-60mins he took us around for. Just a top tier bloke and club man.

Luke Burt, everyone knows how great he is. Daniel Irvine is the final one i will mention who was top tier. During a game, went up to him to get an autograph and he said "Sit down, sit down" So i sat next to him mid game and just started talking footy and if i played and fav player. Things like that for a good 10mins. Just seemed happy a fan wanted his autograph it seemed. Just an out of nowhere, easy going bloke who just wanted to get to know fans.

There are plenty more from the likes of Adam Peek, Brian Smith, Brad Arthur who have stood out as amazing to meet. My mum was an RN for 20 years and took care of Nathan Cayless' mother, same with Brett White. Said White and the Cayless boys, Nathan and Jason, complete gentleman. Also, took care of Michael Vella, who again was an absolute champion. Nothing but nice and mum and him had conversations all the time. 

Sorry this is getting long, but two quick fun experiences i had. First was Brian Smith. A fan day on the field of the old Parramatta Stadium. Was getting autographs and the likes, then in the distance near the posts of the Brett Kenny terrace was Brian Smith talking to the physio alone. So me being me at around 7-8 years old, i walked over to him and asked him for an autograph and picture. He turned, looked at me and said "ME??? YOU WANT ONE WITH ME? Of course you can mate" was absolutely amazing to talk to. Then after that everyone else and their dog walked to him for a picture and autograph. My dad said "Sorry, Brian we brought the crowd" he smiled and said "All good, was getting cold down here by myself". Finally was Jason Taylor, i caught him walking around the back of Parra stadium, i asked him to sign my hat and was more than happy to. As he was signing a player came along and started talking to him, for a good minute or two and there i was just standing there still so he could sign my hat as i was wearing it. After a minute or so, Jason turns around and says "Oh god, sorry mate, feel terrible" I said it's ok and thank you so much and he gave me a hi 5 and went on my way to my seat.

Recently with this crop, took my son to the open day at the stadium and pretty much every player i met was wonderful. Fox, Williams, Hopgood, Moses, Doorey, Tuivaiti, Da Silva, Iongi. All great and interacted with my son.

Not me, but my brother did have an average experience with Andrew Johns. Parramatta home game, Johns was out and my brother asked for an autograph. He refused and refused, then finally Danny Budearus, who also was out, actually got the book and pen and walked over and forced Joey to sign it and brought it back. My brother then said "While you are at it" Danny laughed and signed it himself. 

So please mention your stories of those positive or negative from sports or even just celebs in general. Would love to hear some stories.