One game only, same old story. 40 years of this rubbish. Every pre-season, big talk, everyone says this is our year. Sometimes we start okay, sometimes we get smashed like last night, 52-4 by Storm. Then the losses start, we lose all momentum, and by August we’re just trying not to get embarrassed in finals – if we even make it. Why does this always happen to us?
But this issue goes beyond what happens on the field. The club seems to have settled for mediocrity.
- We seem to be stuck in a cycle. No premiership since 1986. Longest drought in the NRL. We get close – 2001, 2009, 2022 grand finals – but nothing. Arthur got us to finals sometimes, but when it matters, we fall apart. Even the NRLW team does the same. Some fans say we’re competitive. I think we’re just used to losing now. Look at Penrith, they changed everything. Storm rebuild and still win. Us? Every year is just effort, struggle, and nothing to show for it. What are we missing? keep memberships strong, and share opinions on socials – but maintaining pressure for change is challenging. Petitions, strong reactions, and the 2024 rebel ticket at the Leagues Club (supported by legends like Brett Kenny, Ray Price, Eric Grothe Snr/Jnr) did not lead to changes. Other clubs’ supporters sometimes succeed in board shake-ups or resignations. We voice concerns, express frustration, and may quiet down over time. It can be difficult for fans to sustain momentum, and the board often waits for the next cycle.
- The way we treat our legends is a joke. Price, Kenny, Sterling, Grothe, Hindmarsh, Cayless – they made this club in the 80s. They tried to help, spoke up, but the club ignored them. No real roles, no say in culture, nothing. Penrith uses its legends everywhere. Us? Just old photos and nostalgia. No wonder Parra has no heart anymore.
- The board is a joke and has been for years. Sacked by the authorities, salary cap mess, Hayne and Watmough payout, directors quitting, legal dramas, and fan revolts that go nowhere. They just react, protect their mates, chase quick fixes. No vision. Culture is rotten, good players leave, no real push for a premiership. They don’t care about the drought. They just want to keep their jobs.
We have the players. Moses, Paulo, Addo-Carr, some good young ones. The biggest league club in the game. Now Ryles comes in, won at Storm and Roosters. But if the board and culture stay the same, it won’t matter. We’ll just go through more coaches who win everywhere else but fail here. Hagan, Anderson, Stuart – all winners before Parra, nothing with us.
Enough is enough. Parra fans, if you want real change – board held to account, legends respected, real investment in culture like the top clubs – do something. Contact the board, go to meetings, make noise. If not, get ready for another 40 years of pain.
What does a good year even look like for us? Not talking about some fantasy, just being real here.
- Top 8 has to be the bare minimum. All the so-called experts had us around 6th to 10th before the season started. If we just scrape into 7th or 8th, that’s nothing to celebrate, just more of the same. 5th or 6th would actually mean something for once. Miss the 8? That’s just another failure.
- We need to win at least 13 or 14 games, not just go on some late run and hope for miracles. Last year, we went 5 -2 in the last 7, but where was that all season? Just be consistent for once, not this up and down rubbish.
- Stop getting smashed in big games. No more 50-point embarrassments, especially at home. Show some fight from Round 1, not just when the season is already gone. Fix the basics – discipline, defence, completions – how hard is it? Build some momentum for once instead of waiting until it’s too late.
- A real finals run? That would be a miracle. Just getting past the first week would be huge for Ryles in his second year. We’ve been stuck in this top 8 and our rubbish for 40 years.
Replies
Mate , some valid points raised . I know we have improved off field dramatically. Membership , pathways , Kellyville centre . The recent court win showed some professional resilience . So little victories in important areas .
To be honest , I didn't see yesterday coming despite Storms streak. We just couldn't go with Storm around the ruck. They are the best in the comp for that little 2m x 2m square . When we are off our game , it starts and finishes there . Defense not plugging holes , dummy half scoots , players not getting to marker and getting rolled through the ruck.
Watching the games tonight , we are not beating any of those teams . But when we are on , we can compete with any team. We just have to ensure everyone turns up to play because the really good teams don't carry too many passengers .
So far, it is only one game, it seems we may have recruited poorly. Come this time next week we could have a different tune. But you are right big difference from off night and on nights. Great teams have off nights but not that bad.
Based on the games so far, I predict the bottom 3 to be:
15. Roosters
16. Broncos
17. Eels
I am very smart.
Out of the mouth of Babes Yehez, you could win a lot of money on that bet......I think you should anchor it with Eels and build your quaddie around it LOL
Im pulling up stumps boys. Good luck
Go Roosters 🐓 26
Broncos have copped some very dodgy calls just like eels did and it's clear Penrith and storm will continue to be gifted field position and possession this year. The bunker must not know which way is forwards and which way is backwards after another ridiculous call from the bunker.
I think if Brisbane had a sin bin or 2 and 3 smaller players on the bench kike we did, Penrith would have carved them up like storm did to us. Watching the roosters get smashed and now Brisbane it is clear that round 1 results aren't a real measure of a team. There have been plenty of mistakes by all teams so far expect Melbourne who once again showed ball control in early rounds is vital.
As concerning as the loss was I don't think it affects our chances of top 8. Ryles should learn from his bench mistake and if Hopgood misses a week or 2 I think we will be better. Bring in Tuivati and either moretti or guymer for Doorey and piss TDS off.
Overall fair post.
We could be shit this season. Also having so many young players means we have to cop their non linear development. Many things could happen.
But also Newcastle won their first 2 games last year against Tigers and Dolphins, which one had a better season?
Plus we had a disastrous start last year and still finished 3 wins from top 8? If the league is more competitive this year 12 wins might be enough.
And add referee calls, first round etc.......
We should asking questions of the coach and players, as we always should. But anything beyond that is just reactive.
Honestly though starting the season away to both grand finalists is a joke though.
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