Parramatta Eels fans march in show of support ahead of clash with Rabbitohs
BATTERED and bruised from the NRL club’s salary cap scandal, Parramatta’s loyal band of fans have delivered a message to Eels players and coaching staff.
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WESTERN Sydney’s Blue and Gold Army is rising again.
Battered and bruised from the NRL club’s salary cap scandal, Parramatta’s loyal band of fans have delivered a message to the Eels players and coaching staff: we’re loud, proud and here to stay.
The club’s revival began at Friday night’s sold-out clash between Parramatta and South Sydney at Pirtek Stadium.
About an hour before the emotional match, several hundred passionate Eels supporters marched as one to show their support.
The 800m walk from Prince Alfred Park to their beloved home ground had never meant so much.
It was just one of the many touching gestures that reminded the rugby league world of how popular and well supported the Western Sydney power club really is.
The past fortnight has been nothing short of heartbreaking with the salary cap breaches stripping the Eels of all 12 competition points, then forcing them to shed three players.
Hooker Nathan Peats’ departure was particularly hard to take, with a minute’s applause at the ninth minute of Friday night’s game a show of respect for the player who had been due to wear the No. 9 jumper.
No strangers to heartbreak on and off the field — they lost superstar Jarryd Hayne to the NFL and have gone without a premiership for 30 years — Eels fans are almost unbreakable.
Troy Worner helped co-ordinate Friday night’s march and was grateful to see a solid turnout.
“Back in round one we started the march from Prince Alfred Park opposite the (North Parramatta) McDonald’s to the Ray Price statue (outside the stadium),’’ said Worner, decked out in his club’s colours.
Worner said the fact Parramatta had to win 12 of their remaining 15 games just to reach the finals was not a concern.
“People will say I’m silly, but I truly believe we can win all 15 games,’’ Worner said.
“I think this will only make the boys fire up and put in a bigger performance.’’
Originally published as Parramatta Eels fans march in show of support ahead of clash with Rabbitohs
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