NRL fans have expressed their delight after the Parramatta Eels announced over the weekend that Peter Sterling has re-joined the club as an ambassador of the Eels Foundation. Sterling played 228 games for Parramatta across an illustrious career from 1978 to 1992, winning four premierships, a Dally M medal and Clive Churchill medal.
He also played 13 State of Origin games for NSW and 18 Test matches for Australia, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest halfbacks in rugby league history. The 64-year-old moved into the media after retiring and became a beloved fan favourite on Channel 9, but hasn’t had much to do with the Eels since hanging up the boots.
But that is set to change, with Sterling returning to the club to help out the Eels foundation. According to the club, the newly-formed foundation “will support key projects and programs across three areas, the Club’s Academy & Pathway Programs, Football Facilities and Infrastructure including the Centre of Excellence (COE) & Community Centre, and Social Impact and Community programs.”
The Centre of Excellence is being built at the Eels’ training base in Kellyville, and is expected to be completed next year. “The Foundation will help support social and community engagement through programs that focus on mental health, respect, celebrating culture and active kids,” the Eels said in a statement.
While touring the Centre of Excellence on Saturday, Sterling said: “It’s an exciting new era here at the Eels. Members, fans and partners have the opportunity to support the long-term future and legacy of the club, to ensure that we remain one of the strongest sporting organisations in the country for years to come, both on and off the field.
“We are more than football, we are a community, and the Foundation will help support social and community engagement. Our aim is to create a meaningful and long-lasting impact on our community, like we have done for generations.”
NRL world reacts to massive news about Peter Sterling
Parramatta CEO Jim Sarantinos said, “It’s truly wonderful for the club to have an Eels legend like Peter Sterling come on board as an ambassador of the Foundation. We are incredibly proud to work alongside him as we start a new chapter.
“His legacy and connection to the Parramatta Eels are unparalleled, and his involvement will play a key role in helping us achieve our vision for the future. Peter’s passion for the club and rugby league makes him the perfect ambassador for the Foundation as we work towards creating a strong, sustainable future for the Eels.” Fans took to social media to express their excitement over Sterling’s return, and the direction the Eels are heading in.
Peter Sterling stepped away from media commitments in 2021
Sterling was a mainstay in the Channel 9 commentary team for 30 years, but decided to step away from the media in 2021. “It was just time for me,” he said at the time. “I’m 61, we’ve been doing this 30 years, that’s half my life.
“And I’m just at the stage now where I’m thinking physically I might have another good 10, 15 years in me. There’s just too much I want to do. It’s just time to not be watching eight games every week and to just put my energy elsewhere.
“I’m just going to really enjoy it and then when I hang up the microphone I’m looking to put the same kind of energy in what is next for me. And that’s family, that’s travel, playing more golf and those kinds of things.”