‘A great bloke’: 1980s rugby league legend Chris Phelan dies aged 70 following battle with cancer
A premiership-winning member of the Parramatta Eels has died aged 70 following a battle with cancer, with one former teammate remembering him as a “great bloke”.
Parramatta Eels and Queensland Maroons legend Chris Phelan has died aged 70 following a battle with cancer.
A member of the Eels’ 1982 and 1983 premiership-winning sides, Mr Phelan’s death was confirmed by his former club on Tuesday, which said it was “deeply saddened” by the news.
“Chris Phelan’s passing has been deeply felt by his former teammates and the club,” the Eels wrote in a statement.
Parramatta Eels and Queensland Maroons legend Chris Phelan has died aged 70 following a battle with cancer. Picture: Roman Biegi/Courier-Mail
“The Parramatta Eels extend their sincere condolences to Chris’ wife Karen, his family, friends, and former teammates.”
Black armbands will be worn by the Eels during their clash with the North Queensland Cowboys on Friday night in respect of the former player, the statement said.
According to the club, Mr Phelan was born in Ireland in 1955 before moving to Townsville aged 12.
He later won a premiership with Brisbane’s South Magpies in 1981, before relocating to Sydney the following year to play for the Eels.
The Parramatta Eels are deeply saddened by the passing of Chris Phelan, a member of the Club’s 1982 and 1983 Premiership-winning teams.
Our thoughts are with Chris’ family and friends in this difficult time. Forever Eel #405
Read more: https://t.co/Q9rudEWOnk#PARRAdise pic.twitter.com/Rj4JodHg5J
— Parramatta Eels (@TheParraEels) May 5, 2026
The Eels described him as an “integral line up of the forward pack” during his time at Parramatta.
“Despite battling injuries, including a serious knee infection in 1984, he remained a valued contributor, and would record 53 first grade games in the blue and gold over the three seasons,” the statement read.
Mr Phelan would go on to play for British rugby league club Oldham, before returning to Brisbane and winning a further premiership with the Souths Magpies in 1985.
He died in Brisbane on Tuesday following a battle with pancreatic cancer, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Former Eels teammate Peter Wynn described Mr Phelan being “as tough as they come”.
“Chris was always well respected by opposition players and played a big role during State of Origin’s formative seasons,” Mr Wynn told the publication.
“Playing in three grand finals is pretty amazing. He was a great bloke, a great mate and he will be sadly missed.”
