My old man is a Parramatta supporter, he grew up in North Parramatta.
I'm sure he was gutted when I became a Panthers supporter at age 3.
But he's adopted Penrith as his September team if the Eels are gone, and I'm the same. I've got great memories of going to the local derbies together (we still do it every year).
Matt Goodwin was my favorite player as a kid. He lived across the road from my Uncle. I remember Dad taking me over to see him when I found out he was joining the Eels. I was crying my eyes out. He gave me a pair of Panthers shorts - they were huge. I took them along to Rnd 1 1990 at Parramatta Stadium. We lost the game, and I was a bit of a mess again. But Dad took my down to the sideline, and Matt spotted us. I gave him back his shorts, and he put them on for a photo with me.
So I'm quite comfortable cheering for the Eels as long as they're not playing us. I'd never wear their colours or anything, but there have been too many great Panthers who have gone on to play for the Eels for me not to have a soft spot for them.