I have been a Parramatta Eels supporter for over 5o yrs now. As long as I can remember. I can't even say that I chose this. My mother christened me into this Tribe, for better or worse. I saw our Premiership wins. I thought more would follow, but that didn't happen. At times I have questioned why I would want to remain a part of this tribe moving forward. The answer was simple. I no longer had a choice. Blue & Gold it is and that's the way it's gonna stay. This forced attachment to the club has led me, and many of our fanbase especially here, to be hyper-critical of our club's decisions and derisive of our leadership. Sure, I feel bursts of pride, but it is fleeting and ephemeral. Today it feels solid.
Jim Sarantinos and Matthew Beach have shown admirable fortitude under pressure in taking up this righteous fight. We are punching up in a manner that has unified our fan base behind them. I have NEVER seen the forums here as unified on any topic ass they are now. But it's more than the will to fight. You can try to punch up all you like, but unless you are in great shape you may embarrass yourself, and without unity of spirit and purpose we would devour ourselves. The unflinching actions of club leadership in this matter have embodied these attributes within our Club and we have these guys to thank for it. It makes me feel Proud
They are Leaders worthy of support and they have mine. Jason Ryles has been a breath of fresh air. We could finally be onto something here. If Jason, Matt and Jim get us there they will be gold-etched into our history books. It feels to me like they just wrote their first chapter.
In Solidarity and with Pride...Go Eels
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Thats very impressive RH,we can all see how your dedicated to the Eels
We have an army that feel that stongly beside you.
Bravo
Right with you Randy . I turn 80 this year first game when taken for my first game i was 7 . Been going ever since .Seen at lot good and bad times for sure. All my 4 kids Grandkids and great Grandkids are all Eels . With this Latest Administration coaching staff the whole place just has a very good feeling in my humble opinion. In saying all of this as ive said in previous Blogs . I just hope we don't get the raw end of the prawn with what going on with our current situation. Good luck to all
Hector, we may still indeed get raw-prawned. Court will do what the court will do but at least our ducks are lined up and we stood our ground under duress. To me, that really does count for something
Spot on my man
Nicely said Randy.
The only way forward is to identify mistakes, call them out and fix them, if that's hyper critical then that's fine by me. We have 8/10's sorted of our club in excellent condition. Those last 2 / 10ths for me are based around getting new contracts accross the line and being able to offer (I'll just call it TPA's in any disguise) sorted to give us the $17mill in a $13mil salary cap.
I agree that "the only way forward is to identify mistakes, call them out and fix them". By hyper-critical I more meant that some of us get hung up on characterizing our mistakes. Recent revelations reveal that some of these "mistakes" are infact the uneven playing field in action. I just wanted to give credit where it's due and express some solidarity. I don't think it's all roses
It shows the club too we are not a fan base that always complain about everything. We have given, a somewhat controversial board, a big pat on the back and cheer of support. We are demonstrating here that we can align and say something is good. They are showing they care about the club and not accept "good enough" as good enough.
I also think Matthew Beach is a spearhead. He seems like he is quiet but does a lot behind the scenes, he ain't in the role for the spotlight.
You are right LB about Mathew Breach have talked to him a couple of times is a really nice bloke and absolutely loves the Eels .a very good man to have in the trenches with you
I think of it like you can't choose your family, If the club was somehow no longer, I reckon I would grieve like I lost a family member and they can't be replaced, I couldn't support another club so I wouldn't watch anymore, unfortunately I was born in 87 so have only seen 3 heartbreaking GF losses, like every other Parra Supporter I am desperate to have that feeling watching my team lift that trophey
Im with you Randy, these guys are a breath of fresh air and are making all the right moves. Great blog.