1982 – A Shining Year for the Eels
1982 was a big year for the NSWRFL as the season saw the league’s first expansion since 1967 with the introduction of the first two clubs in over half a century from outside the Sydney area: the Canberra Raiders and the Illawarra Steelers.
Despite this the Eels, bolstered by their winning of the premiers the year before, took home the minor premiership with ease against Manly, finishing the game with a 21 - 08 victory taking home the Winfield Cup.
In 1982 Parramatta also held the records for top point scorer, with Mick Cronin scoring 279, and top try scorer, with Steve Ella making 23 tries. The Parramatta Eels brought the Blue and Gold to victory again in 1983 and once more in 1986, but 1982 stands out as one of the Eels’ best years.
Read More about the 1982 NSWRFL
http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nswrfl-1982/summary.html
Read More about the 1982 Grand Final
http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nswrfl-1982/grand-final/parramatta-vs-manly-warringah/summary.html
For more on Mick Cronin
http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/michael-cronin/summary.html
Fore more on Steve Ella
http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/steve-ella/summary.html