1950 - 1969 /

1950 – 1960s

Parramatta struggled throughout the 1950-60s finishing with the ‘wooden spoon’ eight times.

Seven times the Club won three games or less in a season, with multiple coaches and four different captain-coaches with little success.

Onfield poor performances led to a revolt in the administrative circle and coaching ranks, with successful bids to overthrow the Secretary.

It was soon clear that Parramatta could not compete against other teams who were financially backed by a Leagues Club.

Parramatta conducted several fundraising efforts including “The £1000 Drive” in 1952 to raise enough money to secure international and interstate talent.

In 1957, the Leagues Club Committee raised £900 through a Holden Special art union raffle and purchased a house in Ross Street, Parramatta. It would be the start of acquiring a suitable location for a licensed club.

Committeeman, Jack Boyle found a house on O’Connell Street adjacent to Cumberland Oval and considered it the perfect location for a clubhouse. Fellow Committeeman, Jack Argent agreed to build the clubhouse.

Parramatta Leagues Club was officially opened on August 22, 1959, providing a social hub and the financial backing to take the Parramatta Eels into the next decade.

Things started to look up for the Club when Ken Kearney came across from the St George Dragons as coach for the 1962 season.

Kearney provided tough leadership which saw the club move from wooden spooners to fourth and started the first era of real competitiveness.

The Thornett brothers, Ken and Dick, joined in the mid-1960s bringing extra flair to the playing ranks.

It was also the era of the Vietnam War and players needed to deal with their possible call up for National Service.

The 1964 Third Grade team won the Club’s first premiership and promised brighter times ahead.

It was in 1965 that The Daily Mirror journalist, Peter Frilingos suggested to club founder Jack Argent that the nickname ‘Eels’ would be better suited for Parramatta.

1950 /

Pic of 1950 team

Injuries, loss of form, and inexperience in very wet conditions resulted in the winning of only three matches during the 1950 season. Officials decided not to add any players of note, and the club became heavily reliant on local juniors and talent. Club stalwarts Ian Johnston and Mitchell Wallace continued their try scoring sprees, with locals Lance Thompson (halfback) and Don Regan (lock forward) making good impressions. Bob Hobbs, Ian Johnston, Bruce Mann, Don Regan, George Robertson, Lance Thompson, and Rolf Trudgett played all matches.

1950 Debutants: Jack Henniker (43), Lance Thompson (44), Frank Stephenson (45), Don Graham (46), Phil McCarroll (47), Kevin Spencer (48), Bob Fullerton (59), Ron Sweeney (50).

1951/

Parramatta had its best season to date finishing in second place in the first round of the premiership and would eventually miss the semi finals again because of injuries and poor performances in the second half of the season.

1951 taught us many things from which I hope we will benefit. In the first place it showed how hard it is to climb to the top of the ladder, and when nearly there, how easy it is to slip down.

Jack Scullin President

Winger Mitchell Wallace scored a club record 18 tries, and Ian Johnston 13 tries and 38 goals becoming the first Parramatta player to reach 100 points in a season. Ian Johnston, Bruce Mann and Mitchell Wallace were the only three players to play all matches.

1951 Debutants: Ray Nicholson (51), Johnny Ross (52), Ralph Bryant (53), Bob Black (54), Lyle Ferguson (55), Billy Morris (56), Billy Lovell (57), Jim Boland (58), Col Fussell (59). 

1952 /

The 1952 season was disappointing for Parramatta finishing with the wooden spoon after scoring only 241 points and 423 against. In one of the highlights of the season, the Club hosted the Western Australian Rugby League on July 6 at Cumberland Oval. Gate takings saw Western Australian Rugby League receive £106 and the Parramatta Crippled Children’s Association £70. In his first grade debut year, Col Curry was the only player to take part in all matches played. Secretary Jim Parsons resigned because of ill health and handed the role to Spencer O’Neill.

1952 Debutants: Jack Conley (60), Colin Curry (61), Pat Donnelly (62), Neil Gibson (63), Johnny Rouse (64), Col Yarham (65), Russ Croger (66), Fred Johnstone (67), Alf Hemsworth (68), Bruce Noble (69), Stan Campbell (70), Alan Cameron (71), Geoff Cook (72), Keith Lonard (73), Ron Hawkins (74), Cyril Lothian (75).

1953 /

Parramatta finished below expectations ending the season in seventh position, reserve grade finished last and third grade finished second last. It was a changing of the guard when Vic Hey resigned as coach and Ian Johnston departed the club accepting a £300 contract to play in Young. Exciting fullback, Johnny Slade arrived in his first season of grade football. He played for City Seconds, Sydney versus the American All Stars, NSW v the All Stars (reserve) and Brisbane v Sydney (reserve). 

1953 Debutants: Frank Dockrey (76), Roy Fisher (77), Jack Noon (78), Alec Perkins (79), Johnny Slade (80), Ken Slattery (81), Jerry Clancy (82), Ron Hubbard (83), Ken Muller (84), Brian Jones (85), Keith Aggett (86), Peter Lean (87), Max Ferguson (88), Kevin Smyth (89), Charlie McNamara (90), Don Tosh (91).

1954 /

Top line players were signed including Mick Crocker, a Test star from Queensland, and Kangaroo, Charlie Gill from Newcastle – but still lacked depth. Only four players, C. Gill, K. Aggett, J. Slade and Don Tosh played all matches. In a nod to the Club’s administration, Secretary, Spencer O’Neill managed the Australian 1954 World Cup team, and Treasurer, Jack Argent was appointed manager of the NSW State team to Queensland.

1954 Debutants: Max Bailey (92), Mick Crocker (93), Don Ferguson (94), Charlie Gill (95), Maurice McClintock (96), Tom Anderson (97), John Schafer (98), Joe Jorgenson (99), Gordon Aisbett (100), Bob Gray (101), Don Roach (102), Les Weatherall (103).

1955 /

In 1995, Johnny Slade was appointed captain-coach and continued to show superb form. By the end of the season, he would hand over the coaching to Cec Field – being the third coach in three years. Secretary Spencer O’Neill was overthrown by Noel MacKenzie who lasted only one season in the role. Parramatta would win only five games and continued to struggle to find form. Four players played all matches – A. Cameron, R. Fisher, J. Slade and M.D. Williams.

1955 Debutants: Ray Burke (104), Peter Thompson (105), Darcy Williams (106), Clive Lemon (107), Ivan Dickson (108), Brian Hogan (109), Charles Bruce (110), Colin Dredge (111), Jack McGroary (112), Allan Williams (113), Keith Collins (114), Barry Davis (115), Roscoe Garrard (106), Robert ‘Mick’ Treacy (117), Tom Burden (118).

1956 /

1956 will be remembered as the year of the Melbourne Olympic Games and the start of the worst six years in the Club’s history producing the first of successive wooden spoons. Despite the disappointing performance, there was some fanfare when Parramatta signed American All Star, Alvin E. Kirkland to rugby league. A player from the University of Southern California’s Trojan football team, Kirkland had stayed on in Sydney following the USA gridiron tour. A crowd favourite, Kirkland started on the wing and progressed to the centres and five-eighth. He played in all 18 matches along with Ray Burke, Bruce Mann, Bill Rayner, Don Tosh and Peter Thompson. Hooker, Bill Rayner joined the club from Yass, having been spotted by Jack Scullin playing in a game for Monaro. He would become part of the fabric of the club as a committeeman in future years. Poor performance on field led to contests for Club presidency. Stan Simpson took over from President, Jack Scullin.

1956 Debutants: Arthur Adams (119), Al. E. Kirkland (120), Graham Laird (121), Billy Rayner (122), John Hickey (123), Ken Hurst (124), Ron Newham (125), Frank Forster (126), Jack Fisher (127), Jack Graham (128), Brian McNamara (129), Noel Cornwall (130), Kevin Cocks (131), Tom Whitehouse (132), James Hedge (133), Ken Coles (134).

1957 /

1957 was another tough season for Parramatta having won only two matches. The club would debut 16 new players over the season in first grade with injuries and match fitness impacting performances of the squad. Peter Thompson and Ken Slattery completed their 50 games with the club during the year. Only three players played all matches: R. Fisher, R. Hansen and W. Rayner.

My own personal observation disclosed that some of our players did not pay enough attention to their training. I say this to those players that although training may be irksome, it must be strictly adhered to; physical fitness is an essential of this great game of ours and no player can hope to success unless he is at all times at the peak of physical perfection.

Stan Simpson - President 1957 Annual Report

1957 Debutants: Frank Cruise (135), Alan Ferguson (136), Bob Hansen (137), Alan Morell (138), Neville Wall (139), Edward Thompson (140), Rod Blundell (141), Ted Brennan (142), Noel Atkins (143), Arthur Bartley (144), George Byrnes (145), Matt Johnston (146), Alan Beggs (147), Len Wadling (148), Brian Simpson (149), Ted ‘Ticka’ Tosh (150).

1958 /

1958 would go down as the worst in the club’s short history having won the wooden spoon in all three top grades. Parramatta found it difficult to match the other big teams who had financial support of a licensed Leagues Club. The Club signed South Sydney premiership-winning coach, Jack Rayner, but Parramatta would finish last in all three grades. Rob Fisher played his 136th game without missing one, and Bruce Mann completed his 150th match for the club. Three players played in every match: R. Fisher, W. Rayner and J. Slade.

1958 Debutants: Barry Beeche (151), Mick Harvey (152), Ray Preston (153), Ken Stubbs (154), Bob Mavin (155), John Corrigan (156), John Bulluss (157), Bob Godfrey (158), Rod Payne (159), Lindsay Armour (160), John Patterson (161), Col Alterator (162), Bernie Jones (163), Ron Overton (164), Ross Carson (165), Doug Moore (166).

1959/

In February 1959, Club Director Jack Argent organised for his construction company to commence the build for a single-story Clubhouse on the land that fellow committeeman Jack Boyle had identified, for cost of labour only. The house was purchased for £6,000. After construction of the Clubhouse the total payments amounted to just £34,000. The Club opened for business on 22nd of August 1959. Jack’s house was built. Despite the excitement of the Leagues Club opening, Parramatta would win only two games that season. Matt Johnston was the only player to play in 18 games.

1959 Debutants: Mick Blood (167), John Gill (168), Harry Caines (169), Barry Ferney (170), Robin Gair (171), Fred Moore (172), Maurie Burgmann (173), Keith Harrison (174), Les Midson (175), Frank Gavin (176), Ron Workman (177), Tom Croghan (178).

1960 /

Pic of 1960 team

The club finished with the wooden spoon in all three grades. In his Annual Report message, Secretary S.A. O’Neill stated “From a playing point of view, the season was most disappointing but all financial records were broken and attendances at matches were also a record.” The Cumberland crowd demanded better players, success and better facilities. The residential rule was dropped, and a transfer system was introduced allowing players to move between clubs.

1960 Debutants: Brian Cox (179), Keith Griffiths (180), Kevin Hole (181), Bill Lockett (182), Paul Pyers (183), Ron Boden (184), Martin Gallagher (185), Roger Ludkin (186), Col Pritchard (187), Allen Smith (188), Mick Dunning (189), Bill Patterson (190), Doug Harrison (191), Kevin Armstrong (192), Allan Elworthy (193), Barry Wickham (194).

1961 /

Pic of 1961 team

Despite another wooden spoon for the first grade team, there was excitement at the Club with the third grade making history when it won its way to the semi final being the first team to qualify for the final four since the club’s formation. Parramatta toured Western Australia and won 40-9. They donated their gate takings of £110 back to the WA League to grow the game in that State. Roy Fisher was the only man to play in 18 matches. The year also saw 13 debutants including a young Ron Lynch who would go on to become a captain/coach of the Eels and made a Life Member and Hall of Fame member.

1961 Debutants: Russ Butler (195), Brian Hambly (196), Ron Lynch (197), Peter Ryan (198), Kevin Considine (199), Keith Rhind (200), Mike Burke (201), Charles Cooksley (202), Geoff Cooney (203), Charlie Donovan (204), Geoff Beesley (205), Ken Foord (206), Bill McCall (207).

1962 /

Pic of 1962 team

Ken ‘The Mayor’ Thornett played seven matches but had to return to Leeds (England) to complete his contract. First grade reached the semi final, reserve grade made the finals, and third grade the grand final. No silverware was won but 1962 signalled the breakthrough everyone was waiting for. Parramatta signed coach, Ken Kearney from St George, a former Parramatta High schoolboy, who had the desired impact on the field. Kearney was appointed as coach and sole selector and toughened Parramatta by extending training from one to two hours. Strength was evident with all three grades making finals and spectators filled Cumberland Oval to see a new era of great players.

1962 Debutants: Mike Jackson (208), Geoff Weekes (209), Bob Bugden (210), Arch Foy (211), Noel Dolton (212), Leo Toohey (213), Ken Thornett (214), Peter Matson (215), Clive Crawley (216).

1963 /

Pic of 1963 team

Parramatta increased its depth with the return of Ken Thornett, and key signings of English centre, Derek Hallas, former Eastern Suburbs centre, Bill ‘Doc’ Roney, tough English prop, Bill McCall, and star rugby union international forward, Dick Thornett. Parramatta won its four pre-season matches but were defeated by St George at the Sports Ground in poor conditions. Parramatta made history when it played the Springboks at Cumberland Oval on 30 July defeating the South African touring team 39-18. The Eels finished the season with a trip to New Zealand. Ken and Dick Thornett were selected for the 1963-4 tour of England and became the first brothers to represent Australia in England since the Farnsworth brothers. Prop, Roy Fisher departed the club having played 161 first grade games and played eight successive seasons between 1952-63 without missing a game. He would later become a member of the Committee and Life Member.

1963 Debutants: Bill Roney (217), Dick Thornett (218), Ron Willey (219), Derek Hallas (220), Rick Baber (221).

1964 /

Pic of 1964 team

Secretary Spencer O’Neill summed up the 1964 season by stating, “Season 1964, I feel sure, will never be forgotten for many years hence. All club records were broken, both on the playing field and financially. Attendances at club matches exceeded all previous years, especially home matches; attendances for the year totalled 376,659.” First grade had finished in the top three.

In a significant moment in the Club’s history, the third grade side won the Premiership. The team was: J. Wicks, P. Delaney, R. Smith, K. Stewart, J. Poulos, E. Gillon, G. McCalla, K. Cluff, P. Linde, R. Johnstone, G. McCalla, K. Cluff, V. Collins, R. Workman, M. Johnston. In the newly created State Cup competition, Parramatta reached the final but were defeated by a Combined Newcastle team. In exciting times for the Leagues Club, an adjoining property was purchased and a second storey as well as a massive third floor auditorium was added.

1964 Debutants: Barry Leaney (223), Ivor Lingard (224), Barry Rushworth (225), John Cox (226), Kerry Burke (227), Alex Gilandas (228), Val Shoudra (229), Bill Jones (230).

1965 /

Pic of 1965 team

Ken Kearney departed the club, and Ken Thornett was appointed as captain-coach. Parramatta signed Queensland winger Arch Brown and Newcastle representative five-eighth Gerry Edser. Brown set a Parramatta record scoring 131 points from 58 goals and five tries. Parramatta failed to advance beyond the first semi final, defeated by South Sydney in front of 54,626 fans. Reserve grade failed to qualify for the finals, and third grade were defeated in the grand final by St. George. Parramatta qualified for the State Cup for the second year but were defeated by Western Suburbs. Ron Lynch played his 100th match for the club. Noel Cornwall announced his retirement. Noel had played 141 games for the club, including 79 first grade matches since 1955. Six players played all matches: A. Brown, I. Lingard, R. Lynch, W. Rayner, K. Thornett and R. Thornett.

1965 Debutants: Arch Brown (231), Vic Collins (232), Gerry Edser (233), Jim Poulos (234), Ron Jelley (235), Fred Baber (236), Tom Heinrich (237).

1966 /

Pic of 1966 team

Parramatta first grade failed to qualify for the semi-finals, but both reserve grade and third grade reached the finals showing the club had strong lower grade depth that would soon show through in the coming years. Bill Rayner played all matches.

1966 Debutants: Jim Brophy (238), Mike Jones (240), Fred Pickup (241), Len Stacker (242), John McMartin (243), Barry Norden (244), Gabe Very (245), Dave Irvine (246), Peter Mahoub (274), Peter Linde (248), Rod Smith (249).

1967 /

Pic of 1967 team

Parramatta failed to qualify for a semi-final position, but the reserve grade reached the final to be defeated by South Sydney 7-4. Third grade lost its semi-final to Western Suburbs. Brian Hambly became the captain-coach for one season. Injuries hit the squad with Arch Brown, Brian Hambly, Ken Thornett, Fred Pickup, Gerry Edser, Kerry Burke and Len Stacker all on the sideline. A young Bob O’Reilly played first grade at just 18 years of age in a strong pack with Lynch, Thornett and Hambly. O’Reilly would go on to be a member of the Club’s first premiership win. No player played every match in 1967, but J. McMartin only missed one.

1967 Debutants: Bob O’Reilly (250), Brian Winney (251), Frank Glover (252), Brian Bevan (253), Paul Gibson (254), Joe Turski (255), Ron Graham (256).

1968 /

Pic of 1968 team

Ken and Dick Thornett celebrated their 100th first grade appearances for Parramatta. None of the Clubs top three teams made the finals, with first grade finishing sixth, reserve grade seventh, third grade fifth. Ken Thornett announced his retirement at the end of the season.

1968 Debutants: Peter Peters (257), Peter Wright (258), Bill Richards (259), Peter Delaney (260), Bill Robinson (261), Keith Campbell (262).

1969 /

Pic of 1969 team

Barry Rushworth played his 100th match for Parramatta. First grade finished out of the finals and with so many of the lower grades promoted to the firsts, the lower grades also failed to qualify for the finals. The Eels caused an upset against front-runners Souths at home at Cumberland Oval with four field goals in their 22-13 scoreline. A young second-rower named Denis Fitzgerald and Gary Pethybridge arrived in third grade to strengthen the side. Fitzgerald would later become the Club’s most successful Secretary spanning nearly 30 years. Four players played 22 matches in 1969 – K. Campbell, P. Delaney, I. Lingard, and J. Wilson.

1969 Debutants: Malcolm Moss (263), John Wilson (264), Chris Coy (265), Jersey Komorowski (266), John Vincent (267).