Eels celebrate 40 years since famous Premiership three-peat
Ray Price waves to the Parramatta faithful.
The Parramatta Eels have celebrated the 40-year anniversary of their famous Premiership three-peat.
In 1983, they powered their way to an 18-6 win over the Manly Sea Eagles and secured their third consecutive Premiership, an achievement yet to be replicated by any NRL team since.
During a special ceremony at CommBank Stadium this week, the Eels honoured all their players from the 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1986 Grand Final winning teams.
“It’s very special to see everybody, not just the players who contributed but the coaches, trainers and all the support staff,” Peter Sterling told the Parra News.
Peter Sterling at the celebrations on Saturday.
“With four decades having gone, we’re all nostalgic and I think it’s nice to come back and just be reminded of wonderful times that they were.”
The players and officials were also gifted specially designed premiership rings, they never received at the time, to acknowledge their success in the club’s golden era.
Ray Price and Peter Wynn were two of the masterminds behind the idea.
“Prior to us, the last side that won three in a row was the mighty St George team who won the Premiership from 1956 to ’66,” Wynn said.
“Sean McElduff, the chairman, rang me and said, it’s the anniversary of the three-peat next year and we want to do something very special for the players.”
Michael Cronin, who won four Premierships, said winning the first “meant big” for the players and supporters.
“We had all the great blokes, like Sterling, Kenny, Grothe, Ella and Taylor, come through in one group,” he said.
“To have retired without winning a comp would have been disappointing.”
Reminiscing on his career, Sterling also said playing in the 1981 Grand Final was his biggest achievement.
John Muggleton, Peter Sterling, Ray Price and Michael Cronin. Photo: Parramatta Eels
“Obviously playing for your country is right up there, I played a Challenge Cup final for Hull FC at Wembley in front of 100,000 people that was a highlight but I can’t put anything higher than winning the Premiership at Parramatta for the first time,” he said.
“We’ve won premierships since and we’ll win them again in the future, but we’ll never win it again for the first time.”
Peter Wynn. Photo: Parramatta Eels
Looking back, Wynn said there are no words to describe that winning feeling.
“When the referee blows the whistle for the last time, you’re on another planet,” he said.
“You’re excited… you look around and see what it means to your teammates on the field.
“It is just a moment that is so special and one I’ll never forget.”
Steve Edge and Bob Hawke at the 1983 Grand Final. Photo: Col Whelan.
Four decades on, there is no doubt that these legends from the 80’s will cherish this celebration forever.
“The ring is something that I’ll wear on special occasions and I’ll look down at and it’ll bring a smile to my face,” Sterling said.
This article was previously published in the Parra News.