Unfortunately though, the day couldn't all be good. During my 3 hour break at uni I found myself sitting in the waiting room of Balmain Hospital with a potentially dislocated shoulder. This then of course led me to drug myself up on pain killers, bare the horrible look of an arm sling and make my way to the game despite it all. Really, this didn't have much of an affect on me for enjoying the game, though it did definitely make seeing the boys afterwards a little interesting. After 80 minutes of cheering with one arm and clapping on my knee rather than with both hands, I walked away from the stands very happy.
Where can I honestly begin with Jarryd Hayne? He didn't have an absolutely spectacular game, yet he was all anyone could speak about afterwards. There's reasoning for that too. Everyone around him seemed to look so much more confident and dedicated. Last night's game, more than any, just proved how much of a leader Jarryd is and just how much he honestly lifts the team. I never want to be a person to say that the eels are a one man team, because ultimately it's bullshit. They aren't a one man team, though they are dependent on one man. The statistics of games won without Hayne is actually unbelievable and a little sickening but unfortunately we have to deal with it. Last night was reassuring in the sense that they broke a horrible, embarrassing loosing streak but I'm more looking forward to the next weeks now. Let's see if they can wrap up a couple more wins and avoid that dreaded, horrible wooden spoon now that Hayne is fit and back - hopefully at five eighth too.
Rather than just focusing on Hayne, I have to express my congratulations to the whole team. There were some silly errors, showing true form for the eels, but ultimately it was a heart felt performance. They never gave up and that is all I have ever asked for as a fan. I want to be able to walk away from a game, despite the score, knowing that my team tried and did everything they possible could have in order to win. And last night I got what I wanted.
Continuing with the positive outcomes, I hung around after the game again hoping to see the boys. This time, we had to wait quite some time but I was able to hang with a few amazing girls I had met through twitter or instagram and we shared different stories about our favourite players which definitely made time pass. Through this, I realised just how much the eels have helped me meet new people and make new friends. I'm so grateful for all the amazing people I've met through the NRL and I seriously hope I continue to meet incredible fans like I have this year. To anyone that has possibly seen me at games or fan days but haven't wanted to say hey, please do. It really means so much to me and I promise, I'll be happy to meet you and so glad that you did approach me.
It was so amazing to see the boys after a win because they were all smiling so much and genuinely looked happy. Someone that wasn't so happy though was their security who continued to hurry them along and scold them for staying to talk or take photos. While it was aggravating, having Darcy say to Emma and I "Just ignore him, who cares." was so amazing because it proved that he wanted to stay and talk and take photos. He was so happy to see us, and legitimately seemed concerned when he asked what had happened to my arm and expressed how worried he was about hurting me during the photo. I told him about what had happened and when I said that it had happened that day he looked so shocked and shaking his head in disbelief he told me how he thought I was such a loyal fan and how appreciative he was. This moment of them all, was the most amazing. Being acknowledged is something that I think any fan every really wants and it was awesome to have Darcy acknowledge my love for the team and willingness to go to as many games as possible.
I also got the chance to have a little chat with Luke Kelly and let him know I thought he had been playing well and he mutually asked what had happened to my arm and gave me credit for hanging in there for the game too. While leaving too, Emma and I ended up walking with Mitchell Allgood and Darcy to the leagues club because that's where we were getting picked up and I managed to choke out a little joke about how we promised we weren't following them and they both respectfully laughed. During this time I also said a quick hello to Jarryd and Reni and shared a simple "good game tonight!" which they both replied to very nicely. To top the whole night off, Darcy liked my photo on Instagram and backed it up by following me. Now I've gotta make sure to stay sane on there! (hey, chuck me a follow on Insta too: victoriagarry)
Overall, amazing night and can't wait to make my way to ANZ in a couple of weeks to see the boys take on the Dragons after two weeks on the road. Fingers crossed for some more whole-hearted performances by the boys.
Happy reading! Stay well, and go Parra!
- Victoria
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| awkward sling photos aw |
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