Earlier this week, the Dyldam Parramatta Eels hosted some special guests at their pre-season training session.
The Blue and Gold welcomed Motocross legends Ricky Carmichael, Jeff Stanton, Jeff Emig and their manager JH Leale to a training session giving the guests an exclusive insight on pre-season at the Eels.
“I had a great time coming out and checking out the Eels preseason.” Carmichael said.
“It’s amazing what these guys do. They’re really true athletes.”
Carmichael is a legend in his sport with his unrivalled successes in Motocross giving him the nickname “The GOAT”; the Greatest of all Time, claiming unparalleled accolades throughout his career including 300+ wins, 3x XGames Gold Medallist and in 2015, induction in to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.
Stanton and Emig are legends in their own right. Stanton holds multiple National championships, a 2012 PowderPuff world championship along with inductions into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, Red Bud Track and Trail Hall of Fame and Daytona International Speedway Hall of Fame. Emig won multiple national championships in the 90’s, winning more motocross races than any other competitor in the 1990’s with 36 wins and 4 titles.
Click here to see photos from the visit
However all three were amazed when exposed to the skills and talents of the Blue and Gold, with a particular interest in twenty year old forward, Pauli Pauli.
“It’s truly amazing just how explosive they are, how hard they hit and just their ball handling skills and their technique is tremendous.” Carmichael said.
“When I see their tackles and their hits I’m definitely pumped that I’m not the guy in between it all. I definitely wasn’t made for that, that’s for sure.” Carmichael added.
“His got a huge amount of size and such a great athlete. I really felt small standing next to him but those guys are truly amazing.” Carmichael said of Pauli.
With his new found interest for rugby league and the Eels, Carmichael is pushing for a return to Parramatta in the near future to witness a game at Pirtek Stadium.
“I’d like to come out and check the boys play out especially since I met a couple. It’d be fun when you got a dog in the hunt.” Carmichael said.
“We’ll try to make this an annual trip and hopefully I can checkout a real game next time.” Carmichael added.
