Parramatta Eels currently have 14,739 members and after last night’s performance those members may ask themselves why they even bothered to sign up again.
Since the end of the 2010 season, the Eels have finished 14th, 16th and 16th.
What makes for even worse reading is the fact they have conceded 2024 points in 74 matches since the start of 2011, at an average of 27.35 points per match.
To further rub salt into the wounds, they have only managed to score 1,160 in the same amount of time at an average of 15.67 points per match.
It doesn’t make for a good read, but there is at least one positive Parramatta fans could take out of this and that is they aren’t experiencing the hard times of 1956-1961.
Given the positive start to 2014, you’d be mistaken for thinking anything other than an improved season ahead for the Eels.
They came out with a point to prove in Round 1 and trounced the New Zealand Warriors 36-16, just as they did in 2013, when they also trounced the Warriors in the same round. However, that was a brief highlight in an otherwise dull year – will it be the same in 2014?
Last season the Roosters thrashed Parramatta 50-nil in Round 4. This time round they only had to wait until Round 2 and they once again had outdone themselves.
Sydney Roosters ran out convincing 56-4 winners.
All the talk was positive and upbeat heading into the season.
A reasonable showing at the Nines tournament, an off-season without the toxic Ricky Stuart, and no Chris Sandow. I at least made the assumption they looked to be on the at back up – call it a hunch.
But no, they have once again sucked their fans into believing they would actually play what people call rugby league.
Instead, what they served up was repulsive, and that’s being kind.
Congratulations are in order for the Sydney Roosters, but they should go away from that match knowing that only one team turned up. It won’t be the same next week when they face the Broncos.
For the Eels, it doesn’t get any easier as they have to travel to Brookvale to take on last year’s runners-up the Manly Sea Eagles.
There should once again be a real concern for the Eels after that showing.
The players don’t seem fit for the job, instead their next pay packet has their attention.
God knows they earn enough they could think of a nice way to pay their loyal fans back.
So what exactly is the problem?
A culture of losing has settled in and now they have to fight and claw their way out?
Board problems?
Management issues?
The it’s ‘all about me’ players?
Whatever the case, there is a problem and Parramatta fans may as well strap themselves in. It’ll be some time until whatever problems are plaguing your club are resolved.
Chicken Wing
Guest
Dean William Sullivan
Guest
The amount of Sydney teams is fine. It was even better when Norths and other foundation clubs were there. What is so great about destroying tradition and killing off heritage clubs?. It's a very bad idea. That is why I admire the AFL, they still have all their old clubs except for Fitzroy and they value tradition. I think that is why the crowds are also low in Rugby League, smashing up traditions and killing off clubs, moving stadiums is a bad idea.
Cameron
Roar Guru
The argument of there being too many Sydney teams may have some merit, but I wouldn't look to get rid of a team that still garners more support.
Cameron
Roar Guru
I know not everyone will agree with me and that's ok Myles, but the round two performance isn't a one off. The Eels have been very poor for three seasons straight and this season would indicate the same is to continue.
Cameron
Roar Guru
You sir are loyal.
clayts
Guest
Incorrect. Are you from Brisbane? There's a huge percentage of the population in Brissy that HATE the Broncos.
mushi
Guest
Well that would be true if the players did indeed get paid the same on an individual level and the only possible motivating factor is financial reward.
clipper
Guest
You can't have promotion/relegation in the NRL (or the AFL, for that matter). It's fine in England, Germany etc, where Football is the dominant code everywhere and people will follow lesser divisions. It won't happen here - if Melbourne Storm get demoted, their crowds would plunge - they have been near the top for most of the decade yet still get thousands less than the worse performing AFL team in the city. It would signal the end of any expansion club not to be in the top division where all the interest would be.
byrner
Guest
I am a member; I signed up knowing exactly what I was in for. None of us thought we would be world beaters, and although the loss was bad we all expect there to be a few more of them. Its easy to follow a team who wins all the time.
Muzz
Guest
After 2 rounds the Eels are ahead of the Knights who are 0 from 2 and are coached by the most successful coach in the modern game so it's a little bit early to be predicting who will take out the wooden spoon. Parra supporters are loyal and will one day be rewarded.
Dean William Sullivan
Guest
Eastern Suburbs have never had a good supporter base. They are a glory hunting supporter base. The crowds are worse when they are down the bottom of the table. And they have a very low membership base. And I have never met an Easts fan from the Eastern Suburbs, fancy that. They all come from places far away, not from Bondi or Clovelly.
Dean William Sullivan
Guest
It is people like you that I am glad do not have any powers to make decisions in Rugby League. That comment reminds me of that delusional nutter TK's comment. "Merge Penrith, Balmain, Parramatta and Canterbury and make 1 team. No Thanks.
Col in paradise
Guest
apart from the communist crap you make a good point....the clubs execs and management are the problem...over paying under performing players is just plain stupid..pay some keen juniors a quarter of the money and you would get more go on the paddock....thank god for the salary cap or the idiots at the eels would pay more money for non-performers..in fact the cap should make them expect more from the players for less......
Col in paradise
Guest
good idea..and the respective 8 can play a traditional home and away - before Finals and relegation playoffs....be a lot more interesting
al
Guest
The problem is, that Parra players still earn the same money than the players of the best teams...That's seriously wrong. It's like communism. Why work harder if you get paid the same as the best ones?...In European Football comps(where there is no salary cap of course), the players of the lower teams WANT to improve themselves so they get offers from the top teams where they earn more...No such incentive under a communist salary cap system. Also, because we have no national second grade comp, the bottom teams cannot fall down to second grade. That's another lack of pressure.
Christian D'Aloia
Roar Guru
There are more NRL mad people in Brisbane than any of those places you listed Jake.
roosters14
Guest
Are you aware of the massive storm that hit sydney in the evening? I think people looked out there windows even members and people who bought tickets and thought no way not tonight. Given the weather 14k was good. People jumping on our crowds as always. Consider we got 20k against Melbourne on a saturday night early last year. As already said decent whether would have had the crowd at 20k+
Adrien
Guest
seems strange at first but you may make a good point actually.
Doug Graves
Guest
Been saying it for years, merge them with Penrith or give them the boot
Slane
Guest
You are a disgrace.