Grand final aftermath: Parramatta Eels supporters can look forward to 2023 season

The Blue and Gold Army is no stranger to heartbreak but, in the aftermath of the grand final loss, fans from league’s best-supported club are looking forward to next season. Here’s why.

Joanne Vella

@Parramatta_News

2 min read

October 3, 2022 - 1:34PM

Parramatta Advertiser

NSW

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After the 28-12 grand final loss to Penrith that stretched Parramatta’s 36-year premiership drought further, the Eels faithful managed to still turn out to show their support for the team at CommBank Stadium on Monday.

“If the Eels had won yesterday I would have been going down there for myself,’’ Cumberland Throw supporters group founder Craig Hawkins said.

“Today I’m going down for them; I just want to show them my support.

“I feel like crawling up in a fetal position after a loss but last night we had to get up our podcast.’’

The late tries from Clint Gutherson and Jake Arthur in the remaining minutes of the decider restored some respect to the scoreline, and showed Parramatta’s effort, Hawkins said.

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur snaps a selfie with fans after the Parramatta Eels’ loss to Penrith Panthers. Picture: Richard Dobson

“There’s no doubt that Penrith are a brilliant team and Parramatta did everything to control a team that was in their mastery,’’ he said.

“I was so pleased Jake Arthur was able to score late in the game because the experience he’s going through this year is going to make him a valuable player in the future.’’

Hawkins is optimistic about next season when “the quest goes on”.

“I don’t believe there’s a window closing because Parramatta has a track record of developing fringe players into first grade players and first grade players into representative players,’’ he said.

“I believe we’ll be in the finals again next year and when you have new players they bring new energy and when you get new energy to a team that can only be beneficial.’’

Ryan Matterson with fans at CommBank Stadium. Picture: Richard Dobson

Hawkins cited Penrith NSW Cup lock J’maine Hopgood, who starred in their 44-10 grand final thrashing over the Norths Devils, as a promising signing for 2023.

Likewise for Canberra hooker Josh Hodgson, who will replace Bulldogs-bound Reed Mahoney.

Alynta and Marc Foster with their children Pippa, Xander and Rori turned out to support the Eels after their defeat to the Panthers. Picture: Richard Dobson

Back at their home-ground on Monday, Parramatta players and coach Brad Arthur were consoled by fans who form part of the 34,000-strong membership, which, Hawkins points out, is the NRL’s largest if you take into account Melbourne “giving away” memberships this season.

Parramatta Eels supporters out in force at the grand final. Picture: David Swift

“Without a doubt Parramatta supporters are not just loyal, they show their loyalty through paying for membership,’’ he said.

“If you make the grand final you attract the supporters.’’

So too was the formidable fan base evident in a sea of blue and gold that outnumbered Penrith fans in Sunday night’s decider.

“I’d say the attendance at the stadium yesterday, just seeing the number of Parramatta supporters, was reflective of how much a win was going to mean to the Eels,’’ Hawkins said.

“The difference in supporter numbers was phenomenal.’’

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