I posted a few stories on here about this incident years ago, but deleted them for reasons I can no longer remember. Perhaps I should have left it buried, but considering it’s now the 40th anniversary of the incident, I thought it was probably time to bring it back.
In early December, 1986, I caught a possessed creature. Whatever was inside that thing did not seem particularly happy about being captured. Before long, it got its revenge. I ended up in hospital with 57 stitches, along with numerous other wounds that became horribly infected and remained painfully so for months.
Eventually, I named it “The Cursed Eel.”
Here’s a photo of the impressive, needle-like teeth, causing lots of blood loss and horrific injuries.
But that was only the beginning.
I decided to preserve the skeleton. While the bones were drying, my dog decided to help herself to the bottom jaw, teeth included. Unfortunately, it was a fatal mistake. The sharp bone and teeth caused catastrophic internal injuries, and she sadly didn’t survive. From that moment on, the relentless adversity seemed to take on a life of its own. One misfortune after another followed me, and has continued to tap me on the shoulder for forty years.
And then there’s the unsettling part, and strangely enough, it involves you.
I’m merely pointing out the timeline here.
I captured the Eel in 1986.
Parramatta won the premiership in 1986.
And the Eels haven’t won one since.
Coincidence?
Probably.
However, some supporters joke that the club is cursed, and I have to admit, I’ve often wondered whether something unexplained happened when the Eel took its final breath, or perhaps all of this has simply been one extraordinarily horrible coincidence.
The Parramatta faithful had better hope it’s the latter because I still have the bloody thing. After everything that’s happened, I haven’t got the balls to get rid of it. For all I know, the moment I destroy it, things could get considerably worse.
So perhaps think twice before asking me to dispose of it.
You've already waited 40 years, I’d hate to find out what happens if I actually destroy it.
But let's get one thing straight, I’m not saying “The Cursed Eel” is responsible for Parramatta’s drought. I’m just saying I’m not prepared to take the risk.
Go the Eels.
Replies
Lay it to rest where you caught it and tip the last dregs of a vb can in the water
Maybe you’re right Flow Basket. I reckon I need to go back, pour a VB into the water and apologise to the bloody thing. Although after 40 years, it might be expecting a slab.
If you lit it up in 1987 we could have had 30 more comps by now Eelawarra.
This is all on you mate.
Kidding. Sorry to hear about the dog. Hope your injuries did not take too long to come back from.
Take care.
Bastard of a thing looks like a bad Hairtail
Hector, it certainly had the look of a Hairtail that had been dragged through hell and back. Should’ve been my first warning.
Very nasty know wonder we have a curse on us hey😂
Hector, in my defence, I was only responsible for killing one eel. Parramatta have been doing the rest themselves for 40 years.
👍
Cheers HH. In hindsight, catching a strange eel, killing it and keeping its bones probably wasn’t my brightest idea. Especially for an Eels supporter.
This is a tall story surely.
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