Round one stays at Parra

Media Release from the club:

The Pirtek Parramatta Eels will be playing their Round 1 blockbuster against the St George Illawarra Dragons at Parramatta Stadium after the club and Stadium Trust failed to reach an agreement to move the match to ANZ Stadium.

A huge crowd is anticipated for the game and Eels CEO Paul Osborne expects a sell-out for the season opener.

“The board has listened to our members and fans and decided to play our first match of the NRL season at Parramatta Stadium,” Osborne said.

“The penalty was too great to move the game, since Parramatta Stadium were going to impose a $100,000 penalty, on top of the hirers’ fee we were already contracted to pay. To move the match would have cost us almost $200,000.

“Clearly the current arrangement with Parramatta Stadium is onerous and it is difficult to make decisions like this that could benefit the club and its fans.

“Now we hope the fans support our players and pack out all our games throughout the season and make them sell-outs.”

"How farcical would it be if Canterbury were able to miraculously sign him this year , they'll literally be buying a comp and I would eat my words in saying Gould's a myth. He will have 100% proved me way wrong. As much as I hate Canterbury you…"

"Parra needs to be a top eight or better side to have good juniors wanting to further their career with the Eels. Good juniors will favor sides who can enhance their skill base and enjoyment of feeling success. I am sure if Gould was after Galvin he…"

Replies

TABONE February 26, 2010 at 6:20pm

Suck in DRAGQUEENS
Brett February 26, 2010 at 6:24pm

Awesome news. This will be a sellout. Thanks to the parra board for putting the fans first. Come on you mighty eels.
Barra Eel February 26, 2010 at 6:34pm

HELL YEH
jamesy February 26, 2010 at 6:48pm

I hope I can still get a tkt to this match.
Parraloft February 26, 2010 at 8:06pm

YES YES YES
MsjessN February 26, 2010 at 8:27pm

this is the smartest footy decision ever.. AWESOME
Pat February 26, 2010 at 10:26pm

Good news

At the end of the day ANZ is a neutral venue despite who is marked as the home team

Having said that lets hope its a sell out now

One of my fondest memories of an intimidating home crowd was the 98 semi final versus North Sydney
Ezzz February 26, 2010 at 10:43pm

Love it!
Teena Leanne Beckett February 26, 2010 at 11:42pm

I Am Over The Moon our game will remain where it should Parramatta Stadium
for Round 1 Can't Wait to see Jarryd and our boys play for the first time
and am so Excited about seeing Parramatta Stadium for the first time
stevo February 27, 2010 at 10:09am

common sense prevails bring it on