Lesson in writing Parramatta stories for all wannabe journalists

Hello class,

My name is Phil, I've been writing about the Parramatta Eels for a long time, read a lot of stories and I want to take you through a few simple steps that any journalist can adopt to write a story about the Parramatta Eels.

First thing to note is that Parramatta Eels = Jarryd Hayne. So after you exchange pleasantries, maybe you might want to throw in a few softballs asking about training and then get into the meat of the story with this simple question.

"So, how is Parramatta coping without Jarryd Hayne?:

Now, inevitably the player will deflect the question and say that the club has moved on or something similar. Don't be dispirited! Whatever, he says, lead with it. Don't be dissuaded. Press him with follow-up questions, like "were your surprised", "what's the back-up plan" and "how do you guys go on".

Inevitably, the player will mention it's an opportunity for other players to step up. They'll probably mentioned Chris Sandow and then, BAM!, there's the rest of your story. Chris Sandow ready to step up. Everyone knows the only two players any one knows in Rugby League that plays for Parramatta is Jarryd Hayne or Chris Sandow, so pick one of those angles and tie it back to the player being interviewed and voila, instant story.

If you've written those same stories three or four times, you can ask about how Brad Arthur has really toughened up the joint. That should you carry through to when we next hear about Jarryd Hayn's progress in the NFL.

Ok class, good lesson. For your home work I want you to find a former 80's player who has been on the board of late, who thinks everything to do with the club that isn't Roy Spagnolo is "disgusting" and I'll see you next week.

"I think the team is nearly spot on. May should be there for King or Leniu. Leniu hasn't been playing that well in my opinion. Also, Angus has been good but not great, i would start Young to accommodate May on the bench at least. Barnett to the…"

Replies

Tom Laios February 8, 2015 at 2:26am

Oh Sir,have you been hanging out with Coach instead of BA? This blog is a very zen-like , Chuckesque exercise in WTF?
- Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown > Tom Laios February 8, 2015 at 2:45am
  
  I think somebody has hacked Phils account.
Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown February 8, 2015 at 2:44am

I just Hope its not Timmy thats being interviewed.
1Eyed Eel February 8, 2015 at 2:58am

lol. Well, I've been celebrating the mighty Spurs win over the scum but then I read this:

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/parramatta-eels-sign...

I'm just so sick and tired of Jarryd Hayne being the centre of every freaking story that journalists write about Parramatta players.
- El patrón MDV > 1Eyed Eel February 8, 2015 at 9:21am
  
  Hey 1ee,
  
  Gunners fan here, you won, but you are looking for fight to call my beloved gunners scum.
- Burtyfan "CYA FRANKIE" > 1Eyed Eel February 9, 2015 at 2:23am
  
  He is one of our own!
  Hurri-KANE !
  what a win by the Spurs!
  Not many people would admit they are a Spurs fan, but I'm as proud as them as I am proud of the eels
Gower Power February 8, 2015 at 3:30am

Lol, interesting SMH article you linked to. Sometimes it seems like half the team is up for Haynes spot... Robinson, Sandow, Norman, Hopoate and so on
Gower Power February 8, 2015 at 3:49am

Lol... or go on Ebay. I meant to type 3.22 Euros the other day.... I put in 322.
Turpy February 8, 2015 at 3:49am

Feckin boring blog.
How about an interview with Steve Edge who was with the club from 81 - 2010 and is a true legend of the club.
How about an interview with Brad Arthur & Tepai Moroea who both grew up in Seven Hills and have that as a common bond. Fuck Hayne & Sandow. Follow Tepai!
- Gower Power > Turpy February 8, 2015 at 3:52am
  
  I reckon. I know hardly anything about Tepai. Such a great talent with a bright future. I was just looking at the NRL site and one of their new stories is an interview with Mannah talking about Eels after Hayne...