how did it happen?

[The Eel]

Yeah, welcome Nugget.

Ray Higgs was one of my fave players back in the 70's. Hard as nails. I reckon if someone had of hit him over the head with an axe, he would have got up, shook his head, and said "is that the best you can do".

Loved watching him play. He used to run with his tongue pocked out!!!! A great player. He unfortunately went to Moanly in I think 1978 due to a dispute with Terry Fearnely I believe. PP might know more. I also have a recollection of him having his jaw broken in a GF or semi and playing on. Boy, he was tough.

 

[parra pete]

He didn't get on with a player...can't remember who it was. Told Terry if the Club signed the player he would move on..gave the ultimatum him or me. Terry took him. I can't recall who it was but when I next speak to John Peard I'll ask him..
Bulldog ran with his tongue gritted between his teeth, yep that was a trait...
He was captain of the Eels and got upset with Terry when he told the players not to retaliate against the bashing tactics employed by St George in the Grand Final replay, believing Garry Cook would look after his team with penalties. How wrong that was.
St George bashed Parra out of the game with Rocket Reddy receiving four cautions in the opening 20 minutes for blatant fouls on Ray Price. Then the St George forwards took it in turn. Robert Stone, John Jansen (both of whom I got to know very well btw) also took turns at bashing Price. The Eels turned the other cheek. If it happened today, St George would have ended up with ten players....
For those who enjoy conspiracy therories.....St George was sponsored by Penfolds, Garry Cook worked for the brewery which owned Penfolds...;-) ;-) nudge - nudge say no more...

 

[Stagger eel]

Yeah, welcome Nugget.

Ray Higgs was one of my fave players back in the 70's. Hard as nails. I reckon if someone had of hit him over the head with an axe, he would have got up, shook his head, and said "is that the best you can do".

Loved watching him play. He used to run with his tongue pocked out!!!! A great player. He unfortunately went to Moanly in I think 1978 due to a dispute with Terry Fearnely I believe. PP might know more. I also have a recollection of him having his jaw broken in a GF or semi and playing on. Boy, he was tough.

According to Part 3 of the DVD Higgsy who was club captain at the time was in dispute with Fearnely about getting Bob O'Reilly back to the club, Ray clearly didn't want him there while Terry did his upmost to sign him...word filtered back to the Bear that Higgs and possably other players didn't want him there so he decided to go the Roosters instead....I can't help feeling that if Higgs had stayed and we signed the Bear our forward pack would of been unbeatable. As with most players who go from parra to Manly Karma tends to weave it's magic and and Ray hardly got on the field for Manly due to chronic injury and retired soon afterwards.

 

[parra pete]

Thanks Eela..I thought it was the Bear...but wasn't sure. Now you have written it I can recall that it was..
The Bear returned and along with Stumpy Stevens played a big part in the "Ding Dong The Witch is Dead" premiership in 1981...
I want that DVD......

 

[Stagger eel]

Thanks Eela..I thought it was the Bear...but wasn't sure. Now you have written it I can recall that it was..
The Bear returned and along with Stumpy Stevens played a big part in the "Ding Dong The Witch is Dead" premiership in 1981...
I want that DVD......

Peter just for you I'll work on getting you a copy have all 4 and I'll try and send then to you...give me a couple of weeks champ. ;-)

and also Twiz..if he wants them.

 

[parra pete]

Thanks Mario, Champion.... PM me with the cost and I'll post you a cheque for cost and postage.

 

[Stagger eel]

Thanks Mario, Champion.... PM me with the cost and I'll post you a cheque for cost and postage.

it shouldn't be a problem mate..;-)

 

[Parra Guru]

Mine was hereditary

 

[parra pete]

Best kind..:lol:
My kids would be cut out of the will if they switched.

 

[Parra Guru]

some would say that is maybe the worst thing to have in the genes :lol:

 

[JKS]

My first memory is of the drawn grand final ... I think thats when it happened. Also geography (growing up in Northmead and going to Northmead High where a lot of former Eels came from ) and history (dad was best mates with Ron Hilditch - they played Union together growing up) played a role. Became fanatical growing up with a blue and gold bedroom and have only got worse over time.