NRL 2025: Peter Sterling officially makes Parramatta Eels return
Peter Sterling insists it isn’t a comeback. He has been in and around Parramatta since his retirement, attended the odd game and never stopped supporting the club.
However, it always felt like there was a barrier there, something stopping him taking on an official role with his beloved Eels.
Not any more though. The greatest player in Parramatta history has accepted an offer to take up a role as an ambassador of the Eels foundation, an organisation set up to help members, fans and partners invest in the long-term future of the club.
Parramatta announced the landmark occasion on Saturday afternoon with Sterling donning an Eels polo shirt and spruiking the club’s future.
If the video that accompanied the announcement was any indication, Sterling certainly seems ready to become more involved, although Parramatta will need to share him with travel plans and the golf course.
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“I am there supporting the club in this venture because I think it is something that is going to be good for everybody involved,” Sterling told Sunday Sesh.
“I have never gone anywhere. They don’t need me poking my head in too many places. I pick and choose my involvement with them and they are very happy with that.”
Eels chief executive Jim Sarantinos added: “I think it is symbolic of the fact he is still so heavily invested in the club and wants to see it succeed.
“It is nice to have him involved.
“He is a legend of the club, he is respected and admired by everyone.”
In recent weeks, Sterling has caught up with new coach Jason Ryles and spoken to some of the club’s players. He likes what Ryles has done in his short time in charge and has offered to be there if the rookie coach needs a chat.
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There are few better sounding boards in the game. Sterling was a genius as a player and brilliant during a long career with the Nine Network.
Those commentary duties perhaps explained why he kept his distance to an extent, allowing him to remain impartial despite never losing his love for the Eels.
He is now back – he insists he was never away – in an official capacity with the club for the first time anyone can remember.
“I think the foundation is something that is very good for the club, I had lunch with Jason and that was just a chat – I couldn’t have walked away more impressed,” Sterling said.
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“Couple of positive things in the last couple of weeks. It was very nice to have a meeting with Jason and find out what his plans are for the future and how he plans to get there.
“The main thing I want Jason to know – and he knows that after meeting the other day – is that I am 100 per cent behind him and if there is any reason he wants a chat I am only a phone call away.
“There is a real sense of optimism around the club with Rylesy coming in.”