Hindmarsh hits out at the fans
By DEAN RITCHIE
June 1, 2004
PARRAMATTA forward Nathan Hindmarsh has taken a surprise swipe at the Eels' army of fans as the embattled club digests a fifth successive loss.
"All I can pretty much say is: 'I'd like to see them [the fans] get out there and do a better job'," Hindmarsh said.
Hindmarsh's comments come as Parramatta players organise an emergency meeting to discuss the club's slide from being a premiership force.
Parramatta were belted 33-6 by the Wests Tigers on Sunday and now sit above only Manly, New Zealand and Souths on the NRL competition table.
Eels players yesterday admitted to being angry that their fans continue to boo them from the field.
"They have been a bit harsh. They are even starting to get stuck into the players now," Hindmarsh said.
"We're getting booed off the field and we're doing our best to stay in the games.
"It's just not happening for us but we're still getting booed."
Asked if it was un-Parramatta-like to jeer the Eels, Hindmarsh said: "I think it is.
"You get the supporters who are true-blue Parra fans that stick with you through thick and thin.
"But then you get the odd crew that tend to get stuck into us.
"It doesn't do much for us, it doesn't feel good."
Teammate Michael Vella agreed with Hindmarsh.
"It's a bit disappointing when you win they cheer you off, when you lose they boo," Vella said.
"I don't think fans should boo you off the ground.
"Even though we're not getting the results, we're still putting the effort in and training hard all week.
"Some things just don't turn out the way you want them."
Hindmarsh called on fans to cancel a planned protest rally before the club's next home game against Manly.
"I don't think it is a wise thing to do," Hindmarsh said.
"All I can say is 'hang in there', it will come good for us."
Hindmarsh said senior players had planned a meeting to discuss their poor on-field performances.
The unofficial meeting will be at Hindmarsh's home and completed over pizza and beer.
"We'll be having a meeting this week among the players to see if anyone has got any problems," Hindmarsh said.
Asked whose idea the meeting was, Hindmarsh said: "Senior players. We'll all go.
"It'll be a get-together to have a talk and see if there are any suggestions on how we're playing.
"There is no drama. We'll just have a couple of beers.
"We'll try and relax, have fun and get a few things done at the same time."
Vella and Hindmarsh said the players were to blame for the on-field results not coach Brian Smith.
"Definitely the players. Our coaching staff work very hard and 'Smithy' can only do so much," Hindmarsh said.
Vella added: "A few people don't like Brian and have a thing against him they've been hunting him up the last couple of weeks."
Parramatta chief executive Denis Fitzgerald said his club would continue to battle on.
"We're rock solid to get through this everyone at the club has to stick together," Fitzgerald said.
There was no meeting between the club and runaway centre Jamie Lyon yesterday.
It doesn't get any easier for the Eels this weekend with the embattled side travelling to Newcastle to take on the Knights on Saturday night.
;-) :lol:
