The rugby league world is in mourning following the death of two-time premiership winner Chris Phelan.
The prop forward, who won premierships at Parramatta in 1982 and 1983, passed away in Brisbane on Tuesday from pancreatic cancer.
The Irish-born forward was 70.
Phelan was raised in Townsville after he emigrated to Australia in 1967 aged 12 as a ‘Ten Pound Pom’.
Phelan started his rugby league journey in north Queensland and before he arrived in the NSW competition, he’d won a Townsville premiership with Souths in 1975 alongside his brother Paddy.
After moving to Brisbane, he won the 1981 premiership with Souths Magpies and went on to play two State of Origin matches and two interstate games for Queensland between 1981 and 1984.
Chris Phelan (centre) won two premierships in the famous Parramatta Eels side of the 1980s
Phelan continued to support the Eels to the end
He continued his winning ways over 53 games at Parramatta between 1982 and 1984 with two premierships after legendary coach Jack Gibson lured him to the Eels due to his toughness.
Phelan is the first player to die from Parramatta’s dynasty years of the early 1980s where he played alongside all-time greats Peter Sterling, Brett Kenny, Ray Price, Steve Ella, Pete Wynn, Mick Cronin and Eric Grothe.
Wynn paid tribute to the tough forward.
‘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,’ Wynn told the Daily Telegraph.
‘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.’
Following a stint with Oldham in England, Phelan returned to Australia aged 30 and won another premiership with Souths Magpies in 1985 under Wayne Bennett.
In 2008 he was named in the Souths Magpies team of the century.
Parramatta will honour Phelan by wearing black armbands during this weekend’s match against the Cowboys
His eldest daughter Trina McColl said he was the kindest, hardest-working man.
‘He went out of his way for anyone who needed help. He helped his siblings, nieces and nephews,’ she said.
‘He built my grandmother’s whole house. Family was everything to him. You could ask Dad anything, nothing was too much trouble.
‘He told us how valuable family is. That’s his lasting legacy.’
After retiring, he returned to the building industry.
‘Chris Phelan’s passing has been deeply felt by his former teammates and the club,’ a tribute on Parramatta’s website read.
‘The Parramatta Eels extend their sincere condolences to Chris’ wife Karen, his family, friends, and former teammates.’
Parramatta will honour Phelan by wearing black armbands during this weekend’s match against the North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville.
