With the Eels’ loss, a little imagination might etch out some humour to lift our collective spirits. (Back to black, 3/10). Superstitious NRL Parramatta supporters have surely been vindicated as ‘crossing paths with black cats’ has unleashed the worst luck after all. Punishment is supposed to evolve from walking under ladders, not technically from climbing high up one. While all teams had the unlucky number of players at “13”, it seems someone is letting down the team breaking mirrors, opening umbrellas inside or ignoring good luck charms like salt over the shoulder and horseshoes. The Greek Goddesses of Fate have been around for a long time and have provided mankind with something to blame for disgusting luck. Both Hitler and Napoleon Bonaparte were terrified of black cats. One wonders if Parramatta’s problem is that it is not superstitious enough or too superstitious. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 4Oct2022.