Eels legend Nathan Hindmarsh now stands alongside a select group of Parramatta players to have played over 250 first grade games for the club since their inception back in 1947.
Hindmarsh played his 250th NRL game for the Eels last Monday night when he led his team to a 18-16 victory over top four contenders the Melbourne Storm.
It was a win that now places the Eels five points away from the eighth and final spot for this year’s finals series.
More importantly, however, it was a win that allowed the Parramatta faithful to celebrate the services of arguably one of the game’s greatest hard men.
Ever since Hindmarsh made his debut back in 1998 against the Adelaide Rams, the Robertson Spuddies junior has always possessed a work ethic on the field that, until now, has been matched by few.
Not making do with the supreme ball playing abilities of legendary forwards such as Arthur Beetson and company, Hindmarsh established his credentials by tackling everything that moved, and gaining possession of a football even if it meant risking a boot to the face.
Because, through Hindmarsh’s eyes, this is the way footy is played.
And it is this approach to the toughest code of all that has seen him play 16 Origins for NSW and 18 Tests for Australia.
More significantly for Eels fans, though, it has also allowed Hindmarsh to reach the 250 game milestone that will improve against none other than great rivals the Bulldogs this Saturday afternoon.
Hindmarsh has made the fourth most tackles and offloads in the NRL this season, and is leading the Eels in both departments.
What will no doubt make Hindmarsh such a critical player against a clinical Bulldogs outfit, will be his ability to clean up possession, chase a kick, and run down an attacker that has set his sights on the try line.
When the two teams met in round six this season, the Bulldogs smashed the Eels 48-18 with Hindmarsh on the sidelines.
Although his presence on Saturday night will stop a thrashing from occuring, it remains to be seen if Hindmarsh’s work ethic alone will give the Eels a chance of victory.
Nevertheless, Hindmarsh’s consistent efforts in Parramatta’s line-up over the years should see the rest of the side deliver against a great rival that once again stands in front of them at an important time of the season.
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