Parramatta Eels fans to hold first ever march to Pirtek Stadium
Parra matters: Parramatta Eels rugby league fans can't wait to turn Victoria Road into a sea of blue and gold for Thursday night's pre-match fan march. Picture: Michael Szabath
First it was the Western Sydney Wanderers A-League supporters.
Now an army of Parramatta Eels rugby league die-hards have banded together for an inaugural fan march before Thursday night’s NRL season opener against the Brisbane Broncos.
Eels fans will meet at Prince Alfred Park before they turn the short walk to Pirtek Stadium into a sea of blue and gold.
Organiser Troy Worner hopes several hundred fans will turn up and has spread the word to ex-players.
‘’It’s the first time this has been done in Parramatta,’’ he told the Sun.
‘’Fans can be be part of history in a family friendly atmosphere. We encourage all ages to get involved- mums, dad, kids, grandparents.’’
The idea came about through the Parra’s Eels Army Facebook page, which has more than 1900 members.
Organisers got the club’s blessing at a recent meeting.
‘’They loved the idea,’’ Mr Worner said.
This year marks 30 years since the Eels last won the premiership, their fourth within six seasons.
Mr Worner, 38, has supported the Eels since and has turned his garage into a shrine to his beloved club.
Ironically, he has lived in the heartland of western Sydney arch rivals Penrith his whole life.
‘’It’s funny at the Penrith games when the Panthers fans tells us to go home, when I live five minutes away,’’ Mr Worner said.
‘’I think the Eels have a good chance this year. Players like Kieran Foran, Beau Scott and Michael Jennings give a good mix of experience. Anything above eighth spot is a bonus.’’
The march starts at Prince Alfred Park this Thursday night at 7.05pm. Kick-off is 8.05pm.
The next home game is next Saturday night against North Queensland Cowboys.
Replies
Ive heard this was voted discussed and voted on in the members council.
Im not really for this at all but if passionate fans like Troy are willing to organise it good luck to him, ive seen a few pics of his man cave, a die hard eels fan, i respect his passion and love for the club, im just not sure copying soccer fans is the way to do it.
Its a brave move because people will compare it to the WSW march with numbers of fans etc, they are on a hiding to nothing but im sure they will be a lot better behaved than the WSW fans and will have a nicer tone about them but i just cant see it working unless they get a brass band.
Is Troy a member here?
Troy if your reading mate why dont you join up and tell us about the march, cheers
first and foremost what is this members council ?
Im much like you in thinking that they are passionate supporters but please come up with something new for gods sake. We shouldnt be anywhere near the wanders fans
The first thing that I thought of is that there will be a big percentage of diehards already in the stadium at 7.05pm watching the under 20's play. If they don't get the numbers it could be an embarrassing exercise.
Surely they can have Sparky and Sparkles leading this?
So firstly I will delete anything in this blog that is mean-spirited.
As a supporter-based, we should be encouraging whenever any of our fellow fans try to do something to improve the atmosphere or the experience of any particular group.
If they get a bunch of people partaking in this, it will be fantastic.
A Rugby League match is not a singular experience. Different fans want different experiences. Some want to rock up and watch multiple games, some want to just sit in silence and analyse the game, some want to make as much noise as possible. The more we can create experiences that cater to all folk, the more people will get to the game, and the more successful the club will be.
So all the best Troy. I hope it proves to be a smash.
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