Abuse of Eels worries Wagon
June 12, 2004 - 6:05PM
After the Eels showed their "true spirit" with a gutsy last round NRL win, Parramatta captain Daniel Wagon wants the fans to do the same in their clash against Manly on Sunday.
A rally calling for coach Brian Smith's head is still expected to be held at Parramatta Stadium in light of the Eels' recent five game losing streak.
The Eels were booed off Parramatta Stadium following a disastrous 37-6 loss to the Dragons three weeks ago and a string of sorry defeats prompted "fans" to call for Smith's sacking at the next home game.
But the Eels showed there was plenty of passion still left in the Parramatta jersey with a last minute, last round 18-16 win over the Knights - their first at Newcastle since 1999.
Now Wagon wants the supporters to follow suit as they try to get their 2004 NRL campaign back on track.
"Hopefully they don't (protest). If they do I would be disappointed," Wagon said.
"They are allowed to be as angry at us as they want but it's good when the supporters get behind us and show us their spirit.
"Hopefully they can get behind us after we showed our true spirit last week."
Wagon admitted the supporter abuse over the last month had taken its toll but would only make the Eels stronger.
"We did go through a pretty tough time, there was a heap of bad stuff but we did have a share of positive supporters," he said.
"We did have those sticking by us, that was probably one of the pleasing things, knowing who your real supporters are.
"When times are tough hopefully we can pull together, become a stronger unit out of it."
Wagon said Smith - who reportedly offered his resignation twice this season but was knocked back by Eels hierarchy - had been a pillar of strength.
"He's probably been one of the most positive, getting all the players going," he said.
But Wagon said the Eels weren't out of the woods yet as they line up against a Manly outfit buoyed by their shock last round upset over defending champions Penrith.
© 2004 AAP
