Let the memories begin.

MESSAGE FROM
THE STADIUM DIRECTOR
This stadium has stood for 30 years and has been an icon in the landscape of
Parramatta and Western Sydney.
The Parramatta Eels have played on this site at the bend of the river, since
1947, and at this stadium since it opened in March 1986.
Known as Parramatta Stadium, the name changed with the acquisition of
Pirtek as a naming rights partner from 2014.
Since the gates opened for the first time with an Eels v St George game,
there have been many memorable matches and events at the stadium,
but it seems fitting that the Eels v St George Illawarra game on this
day, Monday 29th August 2016, is the last Eels home game to be
played here.
The credit for the stewardship over the stadium began with the
Sydney Cricket Ground Trust from 1986 to 1989, and then the
Parramatta Stadium Trust from 1989 to 2012, when Venues NSW
was formed and became the entrusted authority until today.
During the last 30 years, many dedicated Trustees, managers and
staff have passed through the gates and their legacy lives on, in
knowing that over three decades the venue has been delivered at
the highest standard possible and by committed, loyal and caring
individuals who take pride in their work to present the stage for tough
battles lost and won on the hallowed turf.
Thank you for your support and patronage and all the very best to you
and your favourite team, the Parramatta Eels.
Luke Coleman
Director, Pirtek Stadium
2 farewell parramatta stadium
MESSAGE FROM
THE EELS CHAIRMAN
I would like to welcome you all to our farewell game at Parramatta Stadium.
Across its 30-year history the Blue and Gold Army have had great memories
of this stadium supporting their Eels.
The opening year in 1986 ended in a premiership and farewell to two of
our great Hall of Famers Ray Price and Mick Cronin. From this time, we
have made Parramatta Stadium a fortress to rival any home stadium in
the game.
As well as our premiership legends, we have seen great Eels players
grace Parramatta Stadium including Nathan Cayless, Nathan
Hindmarsh, Luke Burt, Eric Grothe Jnr, Jarryd Hayne and Tim Mannah.
While 2016 has been a challenging year, the passion and loyalty
shown by our team and the Blue and Gold Army has been
tremendous.
During the Club’s toughest times, the Blue and Gold Army has stood
firm and it’s on this platform that we intend to move the Eels into a
bright and strong future.
On behalf of the players, coaches, staff and management of the
Parramatta Eels we thank you, our Blue and Gold Army, for your
unwavering support for the team in 2016.
We look forward to a positive 2017 season and ultimately a return to a
brand new state of the art stadium here at Parramatta.
Max Donnelly
Chairman, Parramatta Eels
farewell parramatta stadium 3
30 for 30
thirty memorable eels players for thirty years
THE TEAM
1 TO 17
1. fullback - jarryd hayne 176 games
The modern superstar of the game has moved on from our great
club, but his incredible feats for the Eels can never be forgotten.
Trying to single out his finest moment on Pirtek Stadium would be
impossible given that the “Hayne Plane” started his highlights reel
from virtually his first match in the NRL. Catapulting the Eels into the
2009 Grand Final and collecting his first Dally M Award would feature
prominently in his list of achievements. I’d rate him as the most
freakishly talented Eel of all time.
2. wing - eric grothe snr 152 games
Few players have the capacity to lift the crowd to their feet the way
that “Guru” did. Grothe decimated defences with a combination
of strength and speed. His trademark was the ability to maintain
balance at pace whilst leaning forward to bump off defenders. It
seemed standard fare for Grothe to beat the first tackle, and a flying
“Guru” in open space would be the stuff of nightmares for opposition
fullbacks. As a cover defender, he had few peers. As a bloke, he
remains quietly spoken and humble. The long locks may be gone but
he will forever be the Guru.
3. centre - michael cronin 216 games
Mick’s final year at Parramatta was the Eels’ first at the stadium. It
was far from Cronin’s best year, having missed much of the season
through a major eye injury. However, “the Crow” ended his time
in the blue and gold with the 1986 premiership and a then scoring
record of 1,971 points. His ability to “ball play” in the back line
made his younger team mates look good. Strong and deceptively
quick, Cronin was a handful for defenders. Throw in some of the
most talented backs to ever lace on a boot and you had a once in
a generation backline. Very few players in world sport have the
distinction of running out to play in front of a stand named in their
honour. The first “Champion of Parramatta” was always going to
feature on this list.
4. centre - steve ella 153 games
“Zip Zip” was small in stature but big in talent. Blessed with the
ability to change direction at pace, Ella was the perfect foil for centre
partner Cronin. Often the beneficiary of slick offloads from “the
Crow”, “Zip Zip” possessed enough silky ball skills to also star in the
halves when required. Eric Grothe believes that we never saw the
best of Ella due to the severe leg injury that he sustained when first
playing top grade football. If that wasn’t his best, it’s startling to
imagine what could have been!
4 farewell parramatta stadium
5. winger - semi radradra 66 games
Not many current players are on this list, but Semi has earned his
stripes via his extraordinary try scoring strike rate. Crossing for 59
tries in only 66 appearances, the flying Fijian is well on his way
to smashing club records. Remarkably, the man from the village
of Somosomo had not played a minute of Rugby League until
signing on for Parramatta’s NYC squad in 2012. Transitioning to
the NRL in the following year, the big fella has become a household
name throughout the country.
6. five eighth - brett kenny 265 games
To be considered the equal of Wally Lewis in the Origin arena, you’d
have to be a remarkable player. Brett Kenny was just that. A local
junior from the Guildford club, Kenny burst onto the scene in 1980
and went on to partner Peter Sterling in the halves during the Eels
golden premiership era between 1981 and 1986. His unique feat
of scoring try doubles in the ’81, ’82 and ’83 deciders should have
extended to the 1986 Grand Final, but he was twice denied by the
referee. In 2008, “Bert” was named in the top 100 players of all time.
He was the natural.
7. half - peter sterling 227 games
There aren’t enough superlatives to describe this Blue and Gold
maestro. He was simply the best “game manager” to have ever
graced Parramatta Stadium. To put things into perspective, in an
era when his backline team mates were legends in their own right,
“Sterlo” was up on another level. His list of awards and representative
honours are too numerous to mention, but winning the inaugural
Clive Churchill Medal in the 1986 Grand Final is surely one
of his proudest achievements. In a sport where the
body takes a pounding, Sterling’s mind dictated
many victories. He is arguably the greatest Eel of
all time.
8. prop - dean pay 76 games
Although only gracing Parramatta Stadium
for four years from 1996, this import from
the Canterbury club set a young Eels
pack on the path to Premiership
credibility during the Brian Smith
era. Uncompromisingly tough,
Pay exemplified the mantra of
hard work reaping rewards on
the playing paddock. Though
renowned as a punishing
defender, he possessed the
ability to break the line
with an unexpected step.
With both Origin and
Australian jerseys over
five seasons, Pay was
one of the most highly
respected props of his era.
Thirty years of matches at Pirtek Stadium. So many talented Eels players have
graced this magnificent rugby league arena during that time and every Parramatta
supporter would have a favourite or two. To honour three decades of residency at
the home of the Blue and Gold Army, I’ve composed a list of memorable Eels. Let’s
call it 30 for 30. Some players make this list because they’ve been legends. Others
make the list because ...... well, just because.
Let the memories begin.
9. dummy half - brad drew 45 games
This could be a controversial selection, but it’s hard to go past Brad
Drew. The nuggetty dummy-half was a key component in one
of the most statistically successful years in rugby league, as the
Eels attack piled on an incredible 943 points during the 2001
season. The Eels may not have taken home the title that year,
but crowds at Parramatta were treated to some of the most
breathtaking tries in the stadium’s history. Drew always
seemed to pull the right rein from dummy half and his
darts around the ruck were difficult for opposition
defences to contain. His stay at the club was far too
brief.
10. prop - geoff bugden 99 games
A Rothman’s medallist in 1980 with Newtown, this
big unit saw the light and switched to Parramatta for the
1982 season. Though a number of seasons were marred
by serious injury, Bugden continued his Parramatta career
through until 1989. His most memorable season came during
the 1986 Premiership campaign when he partnered Terry
Leadbeater as the “bookends” of the Parramatta front row.
Buggo was a real metre-eater, laying the platform through the
middle in an era when props needed to stand up to, if not stand
over, their opposition.
11. second row - nathan hindmarsh 330 games
This list would not be complete without Stadium hero, Nathan
Hindmarsh. “Hindy” has played more games on Pirtek Stadium
than any other Eel. A one club legend, this bloke seemed to carry
the Eels defence on his shoulders for many seasons. Yet as a
running back-rower, Hindmarsh holds a distinguished place on
Parramatta’s try scoring list with 60 tries. Remarkably, no pair
of shorts seemed capable of staying in place on Hindmarsh and
regulars to Pirtek Stadium will have images of his posterior forever
etched into their memory banks.
13. lock - ray price 258 games
The man, the statue, the footballer! There will only ever be one Ray
Price. This bloke was a Cumberland Oval hero even before lacing on
the boots with the Eels. As a Parramatta Two Blues rugby player,
Price was a cult hero to rugby followers and his style of play was a
natural for the code switch. His nickname of “Mr Perpetual Motion”
aptly described his commitment to the game. Legend has it that his
passion for Parramatta prevented more than one of his team mates
from daring to take the field in opposition to him. His statue tells you
that Parramatta Stadium was his house.
14. bench - nathan peats 35 games
In just over two seasons, Nathan Peats endeared himself to the Blue
and Gold Army with performances which left nothing out on the
field. His fearless defence and line speed set the platform for an Eels
pack striving for respect. Who will ever forget the standing ovation
afforded to him at Pirtek Stadium following his forced departure?
15. bench - tim mannah 178 games
At the age of 28, Mannah has already spent 8 years in the engine
room of the toughest sport in the world. He leads by example by
making the tough metres and laying the platform for his fellow
forwards to follow. His career has rewarded him with four Origin caps.
As a club captain, Mannah has few peers, representing Parramatta
with pride and class.
16. bench - dean widders 112 games
It’s doubtful whether a better utility player than Dean Widders
has ever represented the Eels. Although regarded as a
backrower with sublime ball skills, his surprising pace
could see him fill in at centre when required. Off the
field, this proud indigenous man has promoted
literacy within the Aboriginal community, a
passion which earned him the prestigious
2004 Ken Stephens Medal.
12. second row - peter wynn 175 games
Although the tall, lanky Peter Wynn played a few seasons in the
front row, he is best remembered as a talented back-rower for the
Eels. Recruited from bush football in 1979, “Wally” would go on
to achieve some of rugby league’s greatest honours despite
suffering one of the most horrendous head injuries witnessed
at Parramatta. With a running style likened to Ron Coote,
Wynn was seemingly all arms and legs and a real
handful for defences to drag down. His ability to offload
complimented his play and assisted his transition to
the front row. A genuine supporter of the club after his
retirement, Peter continues to be a presence around
the Parramatta district through his retail operation.
17. bench - jim dymock
112 games
Arriving at Parramatta in 1996 via the
Super League War, Dymock quickly
established himself as a tough and
skilled backrower for the Brian smith
coached team. Along with his
ex-Bulldog team mates, Pay and
Smith, Dymock helped to educate
the young Eels forwards and
set them on the path to regular
finals appearances. He was
rewarded with Origin and
Australian selection during his
time at the Eels.
farewell parramatta stadium 5
THE SPECIAL
MENTIONS
18. “i love yous all” - jeff fenech
This icon of Australian boxing shocked the sporting public by signing
on with the Eels during the 1989 season. Parramatta was his favourite
team and Jeff had played junior football through the Newtown club.
Fenech sporting black head gear debuted off the bench in reserve
grade at Parramatta Stadium, much to the delight of the crowd.
Although he only played a couple of games in reserve grade, he is a
world champion who’s worn the blue and gold.
19. yes he did! - paul kent 1 game
In retrospect, what an interesting year 1989 turned out to be! For those
who weren’t aware, journalist Paul Kent was a graded rugby league
player and in 1989 he made his only first grade appearance with the
Eels. Hope you didn’t blink!
20. most courageous - paul taylor 150 games
He was the size of a half-back but fearlessly tackled the biggest players
in the game. Taylor was often listed at fullback but alternated positions
with Peter Sterling, thereby spending long periods in the middle of
the park. In one memorable match, Taylor registered a then record 52
tackles. Many pundits credit him with taking the defensive workload
off “Sterlo”, allowing him to more effectively guide the Eels attack.
Sterling probably agrees.
6 farewell parramatta stadium
21. follow me - nathan cayless 259 games
In an astounding NRL record, Nathan Cayless captained the Eels in
217 matches. Although undoubtedly earning his stripes in the top 17,
the Kiwi international deserved special mention for this extraordinary
achievement. Cayless was a tough prop forward who led by example
both in the NRL and in internationals for New Zealand. His fine
leadership skills remain valued by the club as he currently guides the
Wentworthville Magpies in the Intrust Super Premiership.
22. crowd favourite version 1 - mark tookey
40 games
The Parramatta faithful just love a big man barrelling into the defence.
Over the ’98 and ’99 seasons, a chorus of “Tooks” echoed around the
stadium with every hit up. This bloke was never a star, but he was one
of the great characters to grace Parramatta Stadium.
23. crowd favourite version 2 - fuifui moimoi
201 games
“Fuuuuiiii!” The chorus was loudest at Pirtek, but it
accompanied every Moimoi charge at every game. The Kiwi
and Tongan international was more than just a cult figure
to Parramatta fans. His try in the 2009 decider is regarded
as one the most memorable in grand final history.
Moimoi’s interviews were few and far between, but his
fearless charges were innumerable.
24. not so private dancer - mark
riddell 86 games
Parramatta Stadium, Round 23, 2005 - it was a night
to remember. Firstly the Eels trounced the Bulldogs
in a one-sided affair. We also bore witness to the disco
moves of Piggy Riddell as he celebrated a long range
solo try. Words don’t do it justice. Check Piggy Jiggy
Jiggy on Youtube.
25. the biggest hitter - peter johnston
69 games
28. greatest second generation player eric grothe jnr 131 games
In a career bookended by stints at the Eels, Peter Johnston earned
the reputation as one of the most feared defenders in the game. The
impact from his shoulders would rattle the bones of the toughest
opponents. Johnston was a genuine enforcer with arguably the best
technique seen at the stadium.
Imagine carrying the name Eric Grothe onto the rugby league
field - especially at the same club as your famous father. Guru Jnr
climbed this mountain and created his own legacy through NSW and
Australian representation. By doing so, the Grothes became the eighth
father/son combination to play for their country. With similar pace and
power to Eric Snr, he scored a bag of spectacular and important tries
over ten years with the Eels.
26. fastest eel - lee oudenryn 50 games
In a close call over Shane Whereat, “Leaping Lee” gets the nod by
virtue of his match race victory over Martin Offiah. This race was
the prelude to a 1992 tour match between Great Britain and
Parramatta at the stadium. Oudenryn got an early jump on the
British speedster, and held his lead over 100 metres. The Eels
would go on to defeat Great Britain later that night.
27. happiest hooker - michael moseley
88 games
A premiership winning local junior, Moseley was
a busy rake and noted defender. Sitting
between the “bookends” in an era when
backs wouldn’t dare put their head in a
scrum, Moseley was always in the thick
of the action. Speak to Eels fans from
this era, and they will recall this bloke’s
joyous celebrations with seemingly every
Parra try. He was a real team player.
29. greatest kicker - jason taylor 26 games
With both Cronin and Burt as contenders, this may seem an odd
selection. However, in his solitary season with the Eels in 2001, Taylor
amassed 265 points and reached 2107 career points, a then NRL
record. His goal kicking helped the Eels to their highest ever season
total of 943 points.
30. youngest eel - luke burt 264 games
At the age of 17 years and 9 months, Luke Burt made his Eels debut
in front of over 100,000 people at Stadium Australia in the 1999
season opener. He finished his career as a one club player and
the second highest points scorer in Parra’s history with 1793
points. A modern Eels legend, he continues on with the club as
coach of the NYC team.
craig hawkins, eel member 2916991
Craig has attended matches at Parramatta since the
1960s and is a co-founder of The Cumberland Throw
supporters website
farewell parramatta stadium 7
SAYING GOODBYE
TO PIRTEK STADIUM
I remember the first time I went to Parramatta Stadium. It was a
cold winter’s day in July and dad took my brother’s and I to
watch the Eels.
I hope you all join me on Monday night and fill up Pirtek Stadium
one last time and say goodbye not only to our fortress but also
to this season.
I was new to rugby league at that point, but I still remember
being very excited. I remember holding my dad’s hand as we
walked to our seats. I remember cheering on my favourite
player Clinton Schifcofske and waving my blue and gold flag
that dad had bought me for the occasion. I remember the smiles
on plenty of faces as the Eels posted a win and I remember standing
on my chair pretending to know the words to the team song at the end
of the game.
When I think about 2017, I allow myself to smile. I know that Brad
Arthur will be at the helm for another 3 years. I know that Corey
Norman will be there too. I know that the best is yet to come for players
like Clint Gutherson, Bevan French and Kaysa Pritchard. I know that for the
first time this season there is quiet in the front office at our club and I know
that my club has the most committed fans in the league.
A lot has changed since that day. I am no longer an
eight year old with blue and gold ribbons in my
hair. Parramatta Stadium is now Pirtek Stadium
and Clinton Schifcofske has long since retired. But
one thing that has not changed is the feeling of
home that I get when I walk to my seat at Pirtek
Stadium. That will never change.
This Monday night will be an emotional night
as we not only say goodbye to Pirtek Stadium
for the last time, but we also say goodbye to
season 2016.
I would be lying if I said that this had been an
easy year. In fact, I will probably put it down as one
of the most challenging years I have ever faced as
an Eels fan. We have faced challenges off the field,
seen the departure of plenty of fan favourites and
seen our fair share of controversy.
That sounds like a recipe for success to me and I can’t wait to
be part of it.
Despite these challenges though, one thing has remained constant and that is
the resilience, courage and bravery that our men in blue and gold have played with
every single week. If the players had clocked off 14 weeks ago I would not have blamed
them. I would have understood. But they didn’t clock off - they kept putting in, playing
for each other and defied the odds so many weeks.
Let’s send Pirtek off with a bang shall we. I look forward to seeing you all
there for the last hurrah.
And I promise, the best is yet to come.
I want to say thank you to this team and let them know how proud of them I am. They
absolutely exceeded my expectations.
Another man that deserves credit is our coach, Brad Arthur who I nominate as coach of
the year. The belief that he has instilled in this team is something very special and I
know that it will hold us in good stead for years to come.
8 farewell parramatta stadium
Photo: Benjamin Cuevas
Mary Konstantopoulos
Lawyer, Clayton Utz
Eel Member: 2228419
farewell parramatta stadium 9
NRL TEAM LIST
Bevan French
Semi Radradra
Michael Jennings
Brad Takairangi
Michael Gordon
Clint Gutherson
Jeff Robson
Danny Wicks
Isaac De Gois
Tim Mannah
Manu Ma’u
Tepai Moeroa
Beau Scott
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Josh Dugan
James Gammidge
Euan Aitken
Tuimavave Afualo
Tim Lafai
Atini Gafa
Jason Nightingale
Jermaine Mati-Leifi
Gareth Widdop (c)
Michael Doolan
Drew Hutchison
Troy Dargan
Leeson Ah Mau
Kurt De Luis
Mitch Rein
Denzal Tonise (c)
Mike Cooper
Jamie Stowers
Tyson Frizell
Jack Morris
Joel Thompson
Jack de Belin
14. Kaysa Pritchard
15. Will Matthews
15. Kenny Edwards
16. Jacob Host
17. Daniel Alvaro
Mason Cerruto
Kurt Mann
INTERCHANGE
16. Peni Terepo
NYC TEAM LIST
17. Jake Marketo
21. Luciano Leilua
Tyrell Fuimaono
Tom Amone
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Matt Dufty
Matheson Johns
Patrick Herbert (c)
Izaac Thompson
Paora Kemp
Jai Field
Jack Payne
Matt Jurd
Reece Robson
Blake Lawrie
Keelyn Tuuta-Edwards
Topiese Taufa
Nathan Leatigaga
INTERCHANGE
14. Dean Matterson
15. Tui Oloapu
16. Tom Field
17. Jye Challenor
14. Ali Allouche
15. TJ Uele
16. Brayden Galagher
17. Jacob Esau
18. David Gower
10 farewell parramatta stadium
farewell parramatta stadium 11
Photo: Benjamin Cuevas