In 2014 as the Spagnollo era was coming to an end, I got a call from former Eels Trainer Hayden Knowles.
H and I spoke often and had kept in touch since he left the club. Our friendship culminated for me in my multiple appearances on "ParraTV" the Eels subscription video service, a forerunning of the modern club websites, with on demand and behind the scenes looks at the club. It was Hayden's brainchild for ParraTV. Hayden had been working at Newcastle for the last 2 years under Wayne Bennett.
H said he once asked if Wayne would consider coming to Parramatta and Wayne response was, "No Way it's a Vipers Nest"
When asked to expand on that, I was told that the infighting and constant bitching in the Paper made the Eels a less than desirable destination. Now if that is actually Wayne or H's interpretation, I am not sure.
On the way to Campbelltown for the last game of the year this year, I was listening to SEN radio. Former Eels Captain Tim Mannah was talking about his experiences in getting the spoon in 2018, but he also spoke about the issues he had as captain and that anytime there was a problem at the club, a certain journo would make a phone call to two former Eels, who are indeed human headlines.
For the good of the club, next time Bulldog calls you Ray or Brett, pick up say "Sorry mate I have no comment" and hang up. STOP THIS SNIPING and BACKSTABGBING stop acting like this club is a pit of vipers.
After two failed administrations, one trying to fix up the issues of another who breached the salary cap more often than it actually made finals series in its tenure. We were put into administration. Max Donnelly was put in charge and the members were taken out of the Driver's seat.
We spent 4 years! 4 YEARS working through the issues and getting the votes to reform the club and take it back as our own. Now we want to throw that all away because of two unfortunate seasons of football.
Don't get me wrong the way the NRL club performed in 2023 and 2024 hurt. As someone who was lucky enough to be granted a lap of honor around the stadium in August for my 100% attendance record, I know how much it hurts. I was here for the entire thing
Most of you know me and know my passion for the club. IT Hurts.
But lashing out and trying to change all the hard work we have put in over the last 10 years is cutting of our nose to spite our face.