Hello all, this is my first serious blog in some time, there still seems to be a few nervous Eels fans and fair bit of negativity around the place, So this is my positive side coming out in this piece.
For a few years now the Parramatta Eels have been considered the laughing stock of the NRL, by rugby league fans which include our own. It was just only yesterday i was asked what team i supported? i answered the Eels, which was met with laughter, I didn't bother me because i truly believe we will have the last laugh.
I'm not writing this, to suck up the current boards arse as i do not have any hidden agendas, but as of right now, i'm very proud to be an Eel's supporter.
The time has finally come, we are consolidating as a community, the members are electing boards accountable for taking the club forward, the board have hired coaching staff that
believe passionately in the club and the players are playing for the jersey, we fans see it and we believe it.
Rugby league media outlets spew forth uneducated opinions on clubs on the rise, Phil Gould and his Penrith Panthers would have you believe they are on the verge of greatness! yet the Parramatta Eels and it's staff just quietly go about their business.
Our deal with the Northern Territory would have Phil Gould, Raelene Castle and rival club managers green with envy. We undercut the Cowboys and ventured north first unlocking a huge area to grow our membership numbers and grow our brand.
We have the NT door ajar, we should press our advantage, I think we should consider sharing our team with the people of the Northern Territory, perhaps eventually moving 2 of our ANZ matches to the NT as well, i like seeing the NT logo on our jersey and would love make NT feel more apart of our club.
Today the Pirtek Parramatta Eels and the Northern Territory Government have launched a 4-year partnership that will display the impact Rugby League can have not just as a major sporting spectacle but also as a vehicle for positive community outcomes.
This partnership is made up of 4 major pillars –
1. NRL Trial match to be played in Alice Springs each year.
2. NRL Premiership match to be played in Darwin each year.
3. Sports Development – Elite pathways and Participation
4. Community engagement and programs
In each of the 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 seasons, the Eels will play an NRL pre-season trial in Alice Springs and an NRL Premiership match in the capital city of Darwin.
Another achievement that has our Sydney competitors in a jealous rage, is the Pirtek Stadium upgrade, the club will be able to accommodate any growth in its membership with ease.
Club CEO Scott Seward unveiled plans on Wednesday for a $100 million entertainment precinct between Parramatta Leagues Club and Pirtek Stadium.
The development will include:
* A six-level carpark for 1500 cars;
* A six-storey, 200 room hotel;
* A precinct that will include a fitness and aquatic centre, bars, cafes, restaurants and ten pin bowling centre;
* A completely revamped Leagues Club;
* An upgrade to Pirtek Stadium or possibly a $400 million knockdown, rebuild which will accommodate 35,000 fans.
“It’s massive,” said Seward. “This brings us back into the game.”
This isn’t a proposal — it will happen.
Recruitment and retention have been talking points at this club for years, you ask the management of the Gold Titans what a mistake in recruiting can cost a club, once again the Eels have made a very good decision. Selecting the right personalities is key, honorable and passionate people will instill the culture we so desperately seek.
Manly Sea Eagles and New Zealand five-eighth Kieran Foran has announced he is joining the Parramatta Eels in 2016.
In a statement released by Manly on Monday, the club said that Foran had informed his teammates of the decision.
Manly coach Geoff Toovey said the club was disappointed to lose Foran.
"Kieran is a fantastic player and a wonderful young man. He has played an integral role in the club's recent on-field successes and will do so for the remainder of this season," Toovey said.
Fairfax Media first revealed on February 26 that Foran had all but signed with the Eels.
Parramatta chairman Steve Sharp said Foran's arrival was a vote of confidence in his club.
"Today's signing is a great endorsement for the club's positive transformation over the last two years," Sharp said. "Our head coach Brad Arthur has done a tremendous job in building a quality squad that is ready to become a force in the NRL, and the addition of Kieran will only further strengthen our side."
Foran has played 129 NRL games and has captained the New Zealand Kiwis twice.
This is not a "there is always next year blog" it is quite the opposite, so strap yourselves in and get ready for the ride, we will laugh last.
Replies
Great blog Parody, positive but stating the positive facts and there are plenty of them, nice work.
No guarantees, but things are definitely moving forward.
There's a lot to be positive about, Parody
Agree 100% mate.
But when is it the last laugh?
Better be soon cause I'm sick of laughing first.
Your one of the 99.9% on this site who firmly believe that they can tell the future. Just a reminder- you can't! It is not a time to believe or to be optimistic or to be positive. It is a time, above all others, to be realistic. Get Real! How do you know that CEO`s and other clubs "are green with envy"? That is a childish fantasy. They are more likely to be laughing just as those people laughed at you when you told them you are an Eels supporter. As for the NT being a large area. Sure its a large area, with a tiny population, most of whom could not afford to be an Eels member. I support the Eels going to the NT for doing something for the poor people up there not to increase membership or to advance the brand (sic)--do you have to use that management speak which is meaningless.? Just to remind you. After our defeat in Round 3 in NZ I wrote a blog saying the Eels faced defeats. You were very critical on the grounds that I could not say that after Round 3 . Well, here we are facing Round 13 and we are equal last with equal competition points with Manly. The title of my blog then was Review. Since then you have been believing, you have been positive, you have been optimistic and you have been wrong. Since then I have been realistic and I have been right.
Robbie you need to go and get your rocks off, im worried that your sexual drought is seriously effecting you mate
Your probably a fan who can't even enjoy a win, you'll find something to whinge and be depressed about.
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