Denis Fitzgerald
Front Row
Player Bio
- Inducted:
- 2008
- Date of Birth:
- 14 November 1949
- Birthplace:
- Crows Nest, NSW
- Nickname:
- Fitzy
- Debut Team:
- Parramatta
- Date:
- 30 March 1970
- Opposition:
- -
- Venue:
- Lidcombe Oval
- Representative:
- NSW City Firsts, NSW City Seconds, NSW Firsts, Australia
- Club:
- Parramatta
Career
Milestones
- World Cup 1975, 1977
- Interstate Series 1971, 1976, 1977
- Preseason Cup 1975
Biography
Denis Fitzgerald was a tall prop and a tireless defender, making his First Grade debut with Parramatta in 1970, and was the club’s leading point scorer in 1974.
He earned selection for NSW in 1976 and was a member of Parramatta’s first Grand final team in the same year. In 1977, he was a replacement in both the historic draw and replay against St George.
Denis played for NSW in 1971 and was later selected in Australia’s World Series squads in 1975 and 1977. A health condition forced Fitzgerald into early retirement at the age of just 27 which saw him enter the club administration.
He took on the Secretary role for the Leagues and the Football Clubs during the ‘golden eighties’ producing four premierships.
Denis held the position for nearly 30 years and was the Club’s representative to the N.S.W.R.L. and appointed to the A.R.L. Board.
Hall of Fame Members
Parramatta Eels respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.