The Mighty Eels: History of the Parramatta RLFC

Reviewed by Sean Fagan of RL1908.com

Volume 4: 1987-2001 | Volume 3: 1978-1986
Volume 2: 1967-1977 | Volume 1: 1908 - 1968
Format: DVD or Video. Available from:
Parramatta Club's 'Footy Heaven Store'

The Parramatta National Rugby League Club has released a four-part Eels history DVD/Video series called “The Mighty Eels”.

Volume Four The final chapter of this essential series for Eels' fans is now available!

More info/purchase: 'The Mighty Eels' Volume 4

Volume Three No doubt the "must-have" volume of the series - how could it not be? "Ding dong - the witch is dead!"

Covering the rise of the Eels under master-coach Jack Gibson, the club became the true finals powerhouse of the 1980s - winning the big matches that mattered.

Under the experienced leadership of Sterling, Edge, Price and Cronin, the turn of the decade witnessed the stunning arrival of young stars Kenny, Grothe and Ella.

Great highlights and interviews from the men that delivered to the long-waiting Eels fans the most successful era in the club's proud history.

More info/purchase: 'The Mighty Eels' Volume 3

Volume Two Utilising extensive video material from the era, plus new interviews with the Eels' players of the time, the continuing rise of Parramatta is covered in great detail. The researchers even managed to uncover the 'Manly v Eels' Toohey's television advertisement: "How do you feel?"

Volume Two covers from the difficult times of the late 1960s, ending in back-to-back Grand Finals in 1976 and 1977.

The real emergence of Parramatta as a premiership force beings in 1975, opening with their defeat of Manly in the Wills Cup Final. At the back-end of the season the Eels charge into the semi-finals via TWO play-off wins for fifth place, before they defeat the 4th placed Cantebury and threaten Manly in the elimination semi-final match. "The Mighty Eels" includes highlights of most of these games.

Building on the work of '75, the arrival of Ray Price, John 'The Bomber' Peard and (coach) Terry Fearnley pushes the Eels through a semi-final win over Manly - fast becoming arch-rivals - and into the Grand Final. Included are pre-match interviews, the infamous Church Street parade and match highlights.

The 1977 season opens in the quiet of Gerringong, as Fearnley endeavours to convince Michael Cronin to join the Eels. With two minutes left in the Grand Final, Cronin is faced with a goal attempt in swirling conditions in front of 65,000 fans and millions on TV to clinch the Eels a premiership.

The replay Grand Final is covered, along with the reflections of the players - the Eels are determined to be back.

More info/purchase: 'The Mighty Eels' Volume 2

Volume One traces the history of rugby league in the Parramatta district and western Sydney - from its earliest days when Cumberland was a Foundation Club in the first ever competition in 1908.

It highlights the growth of the game in the 1920’s and 30’s and the Club’s successful entry into the competition in 1947.

It shows the local history of the Parramatta area, and is narrated by the officials of the time including Jack Argent, who was the first President, along with foundation players like Keith Gersbach, Johnny Smith and Max Wilson. They are joined by Mitchell Wallace, Ian Johnston and some of the greats of the 1960’s, including Billy Rayner, Ken and Dick Thornett, Ivor Lingard and Barry Rushworth.

The formative years of the club are covered, with a particularly strong reflection on life on and off the football field. The Eels' first players had grown up during The Depression and survived their involvement as young servicemen in World War Two, and they share their experiences on this dvd.

The gem contained in the “The Mighty Eels” dvd/video is the inclusion of a mini-feature of extended highlights of a game from 1964. Held at a packed Cumberland Oval, Parramatta takes on the Berries from Canterbury. Whether an Eels fan or not, this is worth viewing - particularly for those who are interested in seeing how much the game has changed and evolved over the past four decades. It is a great window into the past of rugby league.

More info/purchase: 'The Mighty Eels' Volume 1

“The Mighty Eels” series is produced by Richard Bradley.

Each volume of “The Mighty Eels” retails for $19.90 (VHS) and $24.90 (DVD)
Available from: Parramatta Leagues Club's 'Footy Heaven Store'

MORE BOOK & DVD REVIEWS