Paramatta Eels is the only National Rugby League (NRL) team that feels like home, star player explained his…
For Parramatta Eels hooker Joey Lussick, rugby league has taken him across the globe. From his junior days in Australia to his time in the English Super League, Lussick has experienced the game in different environments, cultures, and systems. Yet, when asked about where he truly belongs, his answer came without hesitation: “The Eels are the only NRL team that feels like home.”
The sentiment reflects not only Lussick’s personal journey but also the special connection he has developed with Parramatta since returning to the club. For him, the blue and gold aren’t just colors—they represent family, loyalty, and a deeper sense of belonging.
“Parramatta isn’t just a place where I play footy—it’s where I feel like myself,” Lussick explained. “From the fans in the stands to the people around the club every day, it’s a community that makes you feel welcome. That’s why I say it feels like home.”
Lussick’s story with the Eels is a unique one. Born into a rugby league family, with his brothers also involved in the game, he always had a strong sporting identity. But his path was far from linear. After initially spending time in the NRL system, Lussick moved abroad to England, where he made a name for himself with Salford Red Devils and later St Helens, becoming a reliable hooker known for his energy and resilience.
When Parramatta came calling again, the move was more than a professional decision—it was a homecoming. “I’ve been fortunate to play in some great teams overseas, but when the opportunity came to return to the Eels, it felt right. This club has a culture that just fits who I am as a player and a person,” he said.
Since his return, Lussick has become a vital part of the squad, known for his toughness, defensive effort, and ability to lift the tempo of games. Fans have embraced him wholeheartedly, seeing in Lussick the kind of work ethic and passion that reflects the Eels’ identity.
“The supporters here are different. You can feel how much the team means to them. Every cheer, every chant—it pushes you to give more,” Lussick noted. “I’ve played in front of some passionate crowds, but Parramatta’s fan base is something special. It’s like they’re part of the team.”
His loyalty and connection to the club stand out in an era where player movement is more common than ever. For Lussick, however, the pull of Parramatta outweighs any external temptation. “I know in this game there are always options—different clubs, different paths—but for me, it’s not about chasing every opportunity. It’s about being where you belong, and for me, that’s Parramatta.”
His words have only strengthened the bond between player and fans, many of whom see his journey as symbolic of the Eels’ fighting spirit: resilient, loyal, and unafraid of challenges.
“Other places were great experiences,” Lussick concluded. “But no matter where I’ve been, nothing compares to being here. Parramatta isn’t just my team—it’s my home.”
For Joey Lussick, the Eels are more than a chapter in his career. They are the heartbeat of his rugby league story, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
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