As the streets of Parramatta erupt with the excitement of the NRL Grand Final, one can see the enormous psychological value to a community needing good things to look forward to after so much damaging Covid despair. (Biggest week of Mitch’s life, 27/9). Long queues selling Eels gear, council workers erecting posters on telegraph poles across the CBD and a general feeling of good cheer is brimming across our beautiful city. Even the picturesque Roxy Theatre – a centrepiece landmark in 1986 when the Eels last won – seems to be stirring to life on its mighty George St foundations, fondly evoking an era passed. The heroics of super-daddy Mitch Moses not being able to be in the labour ward for the birth of his daughter and “newest Eel” footy-sized Aspyn Elle must be acclaimed as a massive moment of self-sacrifice. How inspirational. Little doubt the Parramatta halfback will do his penance with a year’s worth of real “dummy passes” at home. The “double movements” and “foul play” on the nappy changing table will have slightly different meanings at home and won’t be so easily “sidestepped”. But with a premiership trophy on the mantel piece, what is there not to love. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 28Sep2022.