Dear Members,
Welcome to the new year, as we head into the Parramatta Eels’ 70th season as part of rugby league’s premier competition.
You, the Members of this great club, have shown outstanding commitment and resilience in recent times as the Board and I work to resurrect the once mighty Eels.
In the NRL - the toughest rugby league competition in the world - your 2016 Eels are ready to do you proud. With an exciting squad of seasoned professionals and extremely talented youth, Brad Arthur and his staff have restored the steel in the soul of our playing roster.
Starting from March 3rd we can show the Australian sporting public that as a united Blue and Gold, from our Members and supporters, to our players, coaches and officials, we are a team to be reckoned with.
Make sure you “Pledge your Eelegience” by joining the Blue and Gold Army, and as we count down to Round One I would say to all Eels Members and supporters you won’t want to miss our season opener.
The ongoing stability and success of our club relies on the strategic plan your Board has put in place at the Eels, including the creation of our designated training facility. The training venue at Old Saleyards is already home to our football team and coaching staff, and is about to head into stage two: building the Parramatta Eels High Performance Centre.
The construction of a new 30,000-seat state-of-the-art home ground is set to commence at the end of season 2016, and a player roster sustainability and development system is being implemented that will ensure continued success year in, year out for the Eels.
We are also working closely with the NRL to restore our club’s salary cap credibility after years of poor management, which led to the need for a comprehensive governance review.
On the other side of the ledger, we are set to begin construction on our Parramatta Leagues Club development in the coming months. This exciting venture will ensure the financial stability and success of our club for many years to come. It will also provide our Members with a variety of facilities in one location, from dining and entertainment to fitness and accommodation.
To ensure only the best of customer service is delivered to our Members, the club will also be undertaking extensive research both here and overseas so we can deliver world’s best practice for years to come.
I and your Board of Directors thank you, the Members, for creating the stability in your club that is a crucial driver for success. I assure you we will continue to serve you with the utmost of integrity.
Enjoy the season ahead and stay strong, stay united, stay Blue and Gold.
Steve Sharp
Chairman
