The NRL community is mourning the death of two-time Parramatta premiership winner and Queensland State of Origin player Chris Phelan. The Eels announced the sad news on Tuesday that Phelan passed away aged 70 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born in Ireland, the tough as nails forward only played 53 games for Parramatta from 1982 to 1984, but helped the Eels win back-to-back premierships in 82 and 83 before playing another grand final in 84. He also played four State of Origin games for Queensland after emigrating to Townsville.
Chris Phelan (right and centre on left) played in Parramatta’s golden era in the 1980s and won two premierships with the club. Image: Parramatta Eels/Getty
He won the 1981 premiership with Souths Magpies in the Queensland competition, and was awarded the Rothmans Medal for player of the season. He had a stint with Oldham in England from 1984 to 1985, and then won another premiership with Souths Magpies in 1985 alongside Queensland legends Mal Meninga and Gary Belcher, with Wayne Bennett as coach.
The Eels said in a statement on Tuesday: “The Parramatta Eels extend their sincere condolences to Chris’ wife Karen, his family, friends, and former teammates. Chris Phelan’s passing has been deeply felt by his former teammates and the club.”
The Eels will wear black armbands against the Cowboys in Townsville on Friday night.
Chris Phelan in action for Parramatta in 1984.
(Fairfax Media via Getty Images)NRL world saddened by death of Chris Phelan
Phelan played alongside Parramatta legends like Peter Sterling, Ray Price, Brett Kenny, Steve Ella, Peter Wynn, Mick Cronin and Eric Grothe under legendary coach Jack Gibson. He’s the first player from the Eels’ golden era to pass away.
“Chris was as tough as they come,” Wynn said, according to News Corp. “He was a great trainer and player. He was as quick as any forward that’s played the game and was a huge part of Parramatta’s success in the 1980s.
“Chris was always well respected by opposition players and played a big role during State of Origin’s formative seasons. Playing in three grand finals is pretty amazing. He was a great bloke, a great mate and he will be sadly missed.”
One fan wrote on social media: “Tough, tough hombre that could play the game. A proud Queenslander to boot. RIP Chris. Another wrote: “Deeply saddened to hear about Chris”. While a third added: “Sad to hear, great servant of the club.”