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http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/nrl/story/0,26746,26167405-5003409,00.html
Parramatta Eels forget Grand Final heartbreak to embrace fans, start Mad Monday
By Rhys Haynes and Steve Gee | October 05, 2009 02:15pm
HUNDREDS of Eels fans today braved bleak weather to cheer on their Grand Final heroes as players toasted their remarkable season with Mad Monday celebrations.
After a night of commiserations following their 23-16 loss to the Storm, bleary-eyed Eels players were met with a heros reception when they arrived at Parramatta Stadium.
Earlier, some players turned up to Parramatta's Royal Oak Hotel stone-cold sober, while others arrived with a few under their belts and others appeared to celebrate the whole night through.
There were a few outlandish costumes, with Daniel Mortimer dressed as a female spanish dancer and Jeff Robson as a muscle-toned Mr Incredible.
Parramatta's cult prop Fuifui Moimoi was hogging the pool table inside, with Feleti Mateo looking on. Joe Galuvao turned up with a guitar, much to the delight of wives and girlfriends who were also enjoying the celebrations.
Star fullback Jarred Hayne and others including Eric Grothe Jr turned up to the pub just before noon as the players then changed into more appropriate attire and moved on to the stadium to greet fans.
Hayne, Moimoi and boom five-eighth Mortimer were the crowd favourites along with workhorse Nathan Hindmarsh as supporters turned out to say thanks for an unforgettable season.
Hayne, who admitted to the crowd that hed lost his mobile phone over night, said that while the team was disappointed they were determined to go one step better next season.
"I just appreciate all the fans," he added. "2010 I will see you there."
Parramatta skipper Nathan Cayless, showing the effects of a long night, was also appreciative.
"Thanks for all you guys who came out tonight today," he said, correcting himself.
Try-scoring hero Grothe showed that he had lost none of his humour despite the heartache of last nights loss.
Asked about post-match commiserations, Grothe joked: "I just had a few waters to hydrate because Im an athlete."
Proud fans were keen to praise the team despite their disappointment.
"We're just extremely proud," said Keith Zammit, from Oakville, who attended with daughter Sienna, 2, and cousin Brandon Grima, 8.
"We just came to say thanks for a great year.
"The kids love all the players."
Life-long Eels fan Stephen Kelly, 39 - at last nights game to cheer on the Eels and watch 15-year-old daughter Natasha dance in the pre-match entertainment - said he was shattered.
But he added: "But Im really proud of how far theyve come.
"I think they have done really well even to make the Grand Final. Its been a good week and theyll be better for it next year."