Mates become rivals in battle for the west
It’s been a tense week for Merrylands mates Antoine Mouawad and Noel Haddad.
Haddad’s Panthers and Mouawad’s Eels will clash in an NRL grand final for the first time on Sunday. Both are confident of their team’s chances.
“The Penrith fans, especially Noel, they’re all cocky,” Mouawad said. “That’s why it’s going to feel even better when we beat them.”
“We’re not cocky at all, we’re very humble people,” Haddad quipped back. “I think Penrith by 2. It’s going to be a close game – both teams want it.”
They can agree on one thing: Sydney’s west has embraced the historic grand final between the neighbouring teams. The game at Accor Stadium is sold out, Penrith buzzing for a third straight decider; Parramatta a sea of blue and gold as the Eels look to break a 36-year drought in their first grand final appearance in 13 years.
“I don’t think I’ve seen that much Parra gear since 2009. It’s a crazy atmosphere,” Mouawad said. “That’s why we like making grand finals. It’s not just for the game, it’s for that week leading up to it.”
Haddad will be watching the game on the big screen with his family. “It’ll be nice to be together, watching the Panthers win a second premiership in a row,” he said.
Mouawad will be going to church “to pray for Parra” in the morning, before making the journey to Homebush to watch the Eels’ NRLW team take on Newcastle in the first game of the double-header.
Penrith couple Victoria Garry and Jack Martin will also be going to the game, but they won’t be sitting together. Garry will be hoping to see her first Eels premiership, while Martin will be eyeing back-to-back wins for the Panthers.