This Saturday night will be a milestone for the Dyldam Parramatta Eels, marking the 67th anniversary to the day, where the club played its first competitive fixture against the Newtown Jets.
With the Jets now the feeder club to the Sydney Roosters, April 12 in 1947 started a rivalry that still exists today, with both clubs competing for the Jack Gibson Cup.
Despite the very first match ending with a 34-12 loss, it helped establish the mighty Blue and Gold club that is rich with history and passion, with now 760 players having worn the Eels jersey so far – with seven of those going on to play 200 or more matches.
Click here to buy tickets to Saturday night's game and support the Blue and Gold!
Since then, the Eels have claimed four premierships, five minor premierships and five runners-up trophies - with every one a special memory in the club’s history.
This Saturday night the Eels and Roosters will play to honour legendary coach Jack Gibson, who led both teams to multiple premierships in the 1970s and 80s.
To celebrate the game, we will be recognising the heritage of our club by welcoming the “old boys” and Eels greats to walk a lap-of-honour around Pirtek Stadium prior to kick-off.
The new tradition of the Blue and Gold flag-raising ceremony will be led by “The Mayor” Ken Thornett, who was the 214th player to pull on the Eels jersey in 1962, and has a stand of Pirtek Stadium named after him.
At Pirtek Stadium we will have jumping castles, kids craft marquees, face-painting, Sparky and Sparkles, our cheerleaders the Sweet Ps and more!
As alway, we will have our Membership and Merchandise marquees in the stadium precinct, so you can sign up to join the Blue and Gold Army and make sure you're in all the latest gear.
Gates Open: 3pm
NYC Kick-off: 3.10pm
NRL Kick-off: 5.30pm
Click here to become a Member of the Dyldam Parramatta Eels today and support your club!
