Eels find a pulse in terrific win – with a little help from the heroes of 1986

April 19, 2026 — 7:39pm

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Anniversary games like these are the ones that players really want to win.

Parramatta’s esteemed old guard – the likes of Peter Sterling, Brett Kenny, Mick Cronin and Eric Grothe – can flick on the footy whenever they like at home.

But being there in the flesh on Sunday afternoon at CommBank Stadium, high-fiving the current crop as they ran out against Canterbury, carried a deeper symbolism.

It has been a significant week for the struggling Eels. Most of the 1986 premiership side - the last to win a grand final for Parramatta - were back in Eels heartland, two days after Friday night’s anniversary dinner at Rosehill Racecourse, which drew 650 guests.

At the game, they all wore a 40-year varsity jacket, with just 420 made in a nod to the 4-2 grand final scoreline against the Bulldogs.

While the game looks nothing like it did then, Parramatta’s new brigade showed how much the occasion meant, producing a tenacious 38-20 win after a torrid run.

A pulse has been found at the Eels after their 52-10 disaster against the Titans a week ago.

That day, the Eels faithful booed and sledged their heroes. On Sunday, they cheered those same players and gave it to bemused Dogs fans wondering what had just........

© Brisbane Times