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Dear Kieran, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Thank you for today committing to my club, the Parramatta Eels, for two years.
Last week was hard for me and I know it would have been hard for you too. As a Parramatta supporter who was so desperate to see you in blue and gold, it was devastating to think that we had almost blown it.
As a club we are not strangers to controversy and it seemed like just another error in the series of errors which have plagued us for many years. I’m sorry that you were embroiled in media controversy and I’m sorry that what should have been very simple contract negotiation turned into a big saga.
I’m so pleased it is all settled now.
I cannot tell you how much joy and hope your signing has given our club. You are a very special player and one that a team can build a team around. Your talent is immense.
I have taken a very keen interest in you over the past few weeks and I think you are going to be a real asset to the Eels. We are overjoyed to welcome you to our club and we are so pleased that you will be calling Parramatta home for the next two years (at least). I deeply hope that your stay is a very happy one.
We are a very proud club with a rich history and plenty of tradition. You join a club that is not only passionate about its on-field performance but is deeply committed to making a difference off the field too. We cannot wait to welcome you into the playing group and to see the influence you will have not just on our team but in the wider Parramatta community.
The fans cannot wait to welcome you either – I will probably give you a hug the first time I meet you.
I would also like to thank you for being a man of your word and a man that has shown nothing but sincerity and integrity, despite this saga causing tremendous uproar. In a world where a contract or a signature on a piece of paper often means very little and where fans are so used to having their hearts broken at the last minute, I thank you for being a man of your word.
This signing means so much to my club and we will all be celebrating for the remainder of the weekend.
Today has been a day where I have also reflected, following the death of Phil Walsh. While last week your playing future was at the forefront of my mind, today I am reminded that there are things that are more important. Things like family, friends, trust, respect and integrity.
As the Australian sporting community, a very powerful community, grieves today, I am reminded that there are more important things in life and continue to remember the sporting community which is grieving today.
Despite that, Kieran, I am so glad you will be at the Eels. Thank you for being a man of your word – it means more to us than we can possibly say.
With love,
Mary Kaye and the Parramatta Eels fan-base.
Mary tweets – @mary__kaye, @ladieswholeague