Chris Phelan, a two-time Parramatta premiership winner, passed away on May 5, 2026 at age 70 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. The Parramatta Eels confirmed his death and planned tributes, including armbands for their upcoming match.[1][9]
Key points you might find useful:
- Phelan played with the Eels in the early 1980s, contributing to the 1982 and 1983 premierships and contending in the 1984 grand final.[2]
- He also represented Queensland in State of Origin and had a notable career with Souths Magpies before joining Parramatta.[2]
- The Eels issued a public Vale for Phelan, highlighting his impact and confirming club tributes for the weekend match.[9]
If you’d like, I can pull more details from these sources or summarize memories and tributes from teammates and the club.
Sources
The Sporting News provides the latest team news for the Parramatta Eels during the 2025 NRL campaign.
www.sportingnews.comA summary of the career stats for Immensely strong for his size, Townsville forward Chris Phelan was playing for Souths Brisbane when he first represented Queensland in 1981. Brisbane's Rothmans Medal winner that year Phelan signed with defending premiers P’matta in 1982 but had to sit out the start of the season while Queensland waged a battle with the Eels over his transfer fee. He was used as a prop in the Eels' two grand final wins over Manly in 1982-83 but moved to the second row in the...
www.rugbyleagueproject.orgThe Parramatta Eels defeat Penrith Panthers 30-20 in the Jersey Flegg Cup Elimination Final.
www.nswrl.com.auThis week we take a look at how the Eels are set to let their fans down all over again, the Bulldogs' pursuit of Cameron Ciraldo, and Billy Slater and Brad Fittler's decisions to leave Australia selection to others.
www.espn.comParramatta have signed Dylan Walker, effective immediately. A premiership winner with South Sydney in 2014, Walker will join the Eels for the remainder of this year, through to the end of 2026.
www.sportingnews.comThe Parramatta Eels are deeply saddened by the passing of Chris Phelan, a member of the club’s 1982 and 1983 Premiership-winning teams.
www.parraeels.com.auEmbattled NRL club Parramatta have appointed Matt Phelan as interim CEO following Tuesday's departure of Ken Edwards.
www.sbs.com.au