The NRL paid tribute to the 15 retiring players during the spectacular build up to the 2017 NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final earlier this week (Sunday 1 October).
Parramatta Eels Isaac De Gois and Jeff Robson were two of the players recognised on the day, with the two significant and important Blue & Gold players not only providing a great contribution to the Eels but to Rugby League.
Player Number 763, Isaac De Gois played 225 NRL games for five clubs including the Eels.
After joining the Club midseason in 2014, making his Club debut against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in Round 14, De Gois played 51 games in the Blue & Gold.
He started his career at the Wests Tigers but quickly gained a reputation of a tough uncompromising footballer. He is one of the only players in rugby league history to play over 50 games for four separate Clubs. This stat alone shows how highly regarded he was by all clubs who he represented.
At the Eels, Isaac has enormous popularity amongst the fan base and his teammates.
In 2016, De Gois claimed the Jack Gibson NRL Coaches’ Award presented by Eels Head Coach Brad Arthur.
Eels Player Number 706, Jeff Robson made his NRL debut for the Manly Sea Eagles in 2004 against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.
After only making 6 appearances in 4 years with Manly, Robson signed with the Parramatta Eels at the start of 2009 and was part of the last Eels team make the NRL Grand Final (’09).
He played 61 games over 3 years for the Blue & gold before joining the Sharks and Warriors between 2012-2016.
In 2016, Jeff returned to the Eels, playing a further 11 games in the Blue & Gold over the next two seasons, and has been a significant contributor to the Club both on and off the field.
The Parramatta Eels would like to acknowledge and thank 'Goisey' and 'Robbo' for being part of the Blue and Gold and we wish them all the best in the future.