End of an era as Eels bid farewell to Parramatta Stadium
ON Monday, the Eels will play their last game at Parramatta Stadium. Here’s a look back at the arena’s three decades of memories.
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IT has been the scene of some of their greatest triumphs but on Monday night the Eels will farewell Parramatta Stadium, their home of 30 years.
In a full circle moment, Parramatta will play St George Illawarra in the final match at the ground before it is demolished to make way for the 30,000-seat Western Sydney Stadium.
The Eels played the Dragons in the first game at the venue on March 18, 1986.
Channel 9 rugby league commentator Ray Warren remembers calling the match.
Steve Sharp scored the first try and Peter Sterling put on a masterclass as the Eels went on to win 36-6.
“The whole thing was an experience. It was a magnificent occasion,” Warren said.
The stadium grew from the ashes of Cumberland Oval, after the oval grandstand was burnt down by Eels supporters following their first premiership win in 1981.
“I used to work at Cumberland Oval and what a god forsaken place that was, so when the new stadium was opened in 1986 it was great for fans and commentators,” Warren said.
“I love going there. You are always close to the game, which adds to the package and enjoyment.”
He also remembers being at Sterling’s final game at Parramatta Stadium in 1992.
Sterling was crunched in a tackle by Western Suburbs player David Gillespie and suffered a career-ending shoulder injury.
Warren won’t be calling the game, but he is planning to attend it.
Former Eels boss Denis Fitzgerald was among the largest crowd to attend a game at the stadium – 27,243 – when the Eels took on South Sydney on August 17, 1986.
“The first game against St George was one of my highlights, as well as being in the record crowd in 1986 against South Sydney,” Fitzgerald said.
“The farewell games for the likes of Ray Price and Mick Cronin in 1986 as well as the farewells for Nathan Hindmarsh and Nathan Cayless were emotional days, saying farewell to one-club heroes.”
The hills were replaced by terraces in 2002, which limited the stadium’s capacity, but Eels fans continued to show up.
“When it is full, it’s pretty awesome seeing all the blue and gold fans and the crowd shouting the Parra chant,” Eels fan Troy Worner said.
“My first vivid memory of Parramatta Stadium was Brett Kenny’s last game in 1993.
“I also remember watching Eric Grothe Jr running the length of the field to score a try, and Nathan Cayless kicking a left-footed field goal to help us win a game against Newcastle in 2008.”
David Gower, who is in his third season at Parramatta, said the playing group wanted to give the stadium a fitting farewell.
“It will be a little bit sad in a way. It’s the end of an era,” he said.
“But the unwavering support we’ve had throughout this year despite everything that has gone on – we’re just looking forward to rewarding them at our last game at [the stadium].”
A parade of Eels greats, a tribute to Ken Thornett and a performance from Shannon Noll will be part of the commemorations to say goodbye to the stadium.
IN 30 YEARS AT PARRAMATTA STADIUM
- Parramatta have played 343 games at the venue, winning 189 games
- A total of 15,332 points have been scored, including 2630 tries
- 5,031,798 rugby league fans attend games
- 2178 players took to the field
- Nathan Hindmarsh had the most appearances at the stadium (144)
- Luke Burt scored 926 at Parramatta Stadium, the most by any player
- Parramatta’s biggest win was a 74-4 thrashing against Cronulla in August 2003. Jamie Lyon scored five tries, which is the most tries in a game at the stadium
Statistics courtesy of David Middleton at League Information Services.
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