Hull FC hall of famer returns to rugby league after landing NRL club role

Hull FC hall of famer Peter Sterling has returned to rugby league after being given a role by NRL side Parramatta Eels. Sterling is an Eels legend and he has returned to the club to take on the role of ambassador of the club’s Foundation.

The 64-year-old made 228 appearances for the Eels, helping the club win four Premierships, while he also won the Clive Churchill Medal once and the Dally M Medal on two occasions. As such, he is still very highly thought of in Parramatta and he has been chosen to promote the club’s Foundation, which will be supporting key projects and programmes including the academy, football facilities and infrastructure, including a new centre of excellence, and social impact and community programmes.

Sterling only made 38 appearances for Hull FC, but starred for the club over two spells in the 1980s and famously featured in the 1985 Challenge Cup final, which is still remembered as one of the best finals in history. He also helped Hull win the Yorkshire Cup over Hull KR back in 1984.

“It’s an exciting new era here at the Eels,” Sterling said of his new role. “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.”

Eels’ 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.”