Peter Sterling
Halfback
Player Bio
- Inducted:
- 2002
- Date of Birth:
- 16 June 1960
- Birthplace:
- Toowoomba, QLD
- Nickname:
- Sterlo
- Debut Team:
- Parramatta Eels
- Date:
- 23 July 1978
- Opposition:
- -
- Venue:
- Cumberland Oval, Parramatta
- Representative:
- City, Country, New South Wales, Australia
- Club:
- Parramatta Eels, Hull FC (UK).
Career
Milestones
- Premierships: 1981-83, 1986
- Kangaroo Tours: 1982, 1986
- Rothmans Medal: 1987, 1990
- Rugby League Week Player of the Year: 1984, 1986-87
- Dally M Medal: 1986-87
- Dally M Halfback of the Year: 1983-84, 1986-87
- Clive Churchill Medal: 1986
- Golden Boot award: 1987
- Rated No. 11 in Rugby League Week’s Top 100 players: 1992
- Named in NRL Team of the 1980s: 2004
Biography
Nicknamed 'Sterlo', Peter Sterling attended Fairfield Patrician Brothers on a scholarship in 1978 after being identified by coach, Terry Fearnley.
Peter made his full first grade debut as a stand-in fullback in the major semi-final replay against Manly in 1978. Shifting to halfback, Peter would become the club's greatest halfback having played in four winning Grand Finals in 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1986.
A master of his craft, Peter made his State of Origin debut in 1981 and toured with the 'Invincibles' Kangaroos in 1982. He won the inaugural Clive Churchill Medal in the Eels' 4-2 Grand Final win over Canterbury in 1986 and toured with the Kangaroos again that year, playing in all five Tests on a second unbeaten tour. Voted Dally M Player of the Year in 1986 and 1987, and winner of the prestigious Rothmans Medal in 1987 and 1990. Peter also won the Adidas Golden Boot awarded to the finest player in the world.
Peter was named first grade captain from 1987 to 1992. A recurring shoulder injury forced him into early retirement, but his sharp knowledge of the game saw him easily transition into TV broadcast commentary for nearly 30 years.
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.