PASSIONATE is one word to describe the Pirtek Eels’ loyal supporters but even the most ardent Parra fanatic would be hard pressed to rival Smithfield resident Carmen Leeks’ enthusiasm for the Blue and Gold.
The Pirtek Eels welcomed Leeks to a training session today to celebrate her 90th birthday where she told of a lifelong love for the club over the best part of half a century.
Leeks still has her ticket from the day Parramatta Stadium opened on March 5, 1986, and counts her ribbon and tickets from the club’s 1983 Premiership win as treasured possessions.
“I’ve been supporting the Eels for over 50 years,” Leeks said.
“I used to follow the team everywhere – Brisbane, Newcastle, you name it, I was mad about football and the Eels.
“Ray Price was my idol and I remember talking to him after the game one time… I’d say, ‘how are you Ray Price!’”
Leeks doesn’t travel to see the team these days but does schedule an afternoon nap on game-days so she has plenty of energy to watch the Eels’ night games on television. It’s certainly needed too, with her son John confirming multiple shoes had been thrown at the television in response to bad refereeing decisions on more than one occasion.
Leeks’ charisma struck a chord with the players at today’s training session, and she wasn’t afraid of singling out her favourites.
“Fuifui – I have a canary named after him so I made sure I said hello to him today,” Leeks said.
“But I absolutely love Luke Burt… I call him my boyfriend and when I watch him score tries I always say ‘that’s my boyfriend, go my boyfriend!’”
“I like Hindmarsh too, and all of them actually.”
Chuffed with the compliment, Burt said the Maltese native’s quick wit put his, and plenty of the players’ to shame.
“The best thing about Carmen is her sense of humour, even at 90 years old,” Burt said.
“I’m going to go home and tell my wife ‘I’ve still got it’!”
“It’s unbelievable to hear her stories and how long she’s been a fan of the club, it was great to meet her.
“Hopefully we can get a few more wins on the board so she doesn’t put a hole in her tv!”
Leeks celebrated her 90th birthday by decking out the house in Blue and Gold ribbons… but what did she wish for?
