Edwards On 'Mission' To Boost Parramatta's Membership Numbers

New National Rugby League Parramatta Eels CEO Ken Edwards started work Monday and said that his first major goal was to "dramatically boost the Eels' membership base," according to Brad Walter of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. Edwards said, "Parramatta is a huge area. There is a population of over 2 million in the catchment area out here, and we need to make better connections with the fans and growing the membership for the benefit of rugby league as well as the Eels.'' The club has struggled on the field, but if the membership continues to grow to the levels Edwards is aiming for, the Eels "will not be able to accommodate them at Parramatta Stadium." The arena only has a capacity of 20,741. Edwards added, ''That will certainly be an issue that we need to be aware of. If we are like the Rabbitohs and have 25,000 members, that is more members than there are seats at Parramatta Stadium'' (SMH, 10/23).