Congratulations to all the Blue and Gold fans that made their way to ANZ Stadium on Monday for our clash with the Wests Tigers. Although the rain may have kept some people at home, it was great to see a crowd of over 35,000 (despite the result).
I do have a confession to make though. There was something that was distracting me on Monday. Something which meant that I was not 100 per cent paying attention to the football and it's something I have been noticing more than ever in the 2015 season.
It's hair.
Has anyone else noticed that 2015 seems to be the year that NRL players are sporting very interesting haircuts? Since so many of the Tigers players fall into this category, I thought this might be an opportunity to call some out.
Let's start with Tepai Moeroa. We all know how sensational Tepai is. When he made his debut for the Eels in Round 18 last year, I had to do a double take because I thought Hindy had come out of retirement. The Nathan Hindmarsh haircut was back and so was Nathan Hindmarsh’s tackling ability, just in younger form. In 2015 Tepai’s hair only seems to have grown longer and he seems to have taken Fui Fui Moi Moi's position as the player with the most fabulous hair at the Parramatta Eels.
Aaron Woods also needs a mention. He is one of my favourite non-Eels and reminds me of a retro 80s football card with that long hair, beard and head band. Woodsy’s hair cut leaves me with more questions than answers. Is he trying to take Corey Parker’s ‘God’ nickname with his haircut? Is he Samson from Samson and Delilah? Will he lose all playing ability if he cuts off his hair? Does Woodsy even get haircuts?
Finally, we get to Kevin Naiqama. Gus Gould has previously claimed that Naiqama's hair is there to help him catch the ball. The question on my mind is whether Kevin has recently auditioned for the role of 'Mr T'.
I guess some things we will never know.
Moving on from haircuts, despite the loss against the Tigers, it was not all bad news coming out of Parramatta Eels HQ last week. I was delighted to hear the announcement that John Folau, Brad Takairangi and Bureta Faraimo have all re-signed with the Blue and Gold. John and Brad's contracts will see them with the Parramatta Eels for an additional two years with Bureta signing for one more year.
All three of these men have been outstanding in the opening rounds of the NRL competition. Most notably, John Folau scored 2 tries on debut and Bureta was a stand-out in our loss against the Tigers. I am on the edge of my seat waiting for Brad to come back from injury.
This week, we find ourselves back at home to take on the Gold Coast Titans. It is going to be a fabulous day out with the Under 20'S, NSW Cup and our NRL team all looking to win in front of the home crowd.
Fingers crossed that this weekend, the Eels find themselves back in the winner's circle.
See you all at Pirtek Stadium!
