CORLETTE sporting identity Peter Sterling has been inducted into the NSW Rugby League Hall of Fame.
The legendary Parramatta half back and Northern Hawks rugby league ambassador was honoured along with Taree native and former Kangaroos skipper Boyd Cordner at the annual True Blues dinner at The Star Event Centre in Pyrmont.
He is regarded as one of the smartest footballers of the modern era and joins a select band after earlier being inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame back in 2008.
After a distinguished media career with Channel Nine, the decorated play maker is enjoying life these days in scenic Port Stephens.
Sterling, 65, was raised in Raymond Terrace and Wagga Wagga and commenced his playing career at the age of 14 with the Wagga Kangaroo Panthers in 1974.
He moved to Sydney after landing a scholarship at Patrician Brothers Fairfield before enjoying an illustrious 15-year career with the Parramatta Eels.
The maestro number seven was part of an all-star Eels backline that featured fellow greats in five eighth Brett Kenny, centres Mick Cronin and Steve Ella and winger Eric Grothe, securing premierships in 1981, ‘82, ‘83 and ’86.
A tremendous ball player and shrewd tactician in his heyday, Sterling played 228 matches for Parramatta.
Possessing an immaculate kicking game, he made 13 Origin appearances for NSW and had the distinction of playing in the first 3-0 series win for the Blues in 1986.
The dual Dally M medallist also captained the Blues on one occasion, for the historic exhibition State of Origin match in Los Angeles in 1987, won by NSW.
Sterling chalked up 22 Tests for Australia between 1982 and 1988 and won the inaugural Clive Churchill Medal for best player on ground in Parramatta’s fourth Grand Final victory in 1986.
The champion half also played 36 games for Hull FC in the English Super League.
NSW Rugby League (NSWRL) Chief Executive David Trodden told News Of The Area that the annual True Blues dinner is a signature event on the code’s calendar.
“It brings together different generations of players who have donned the mighty sky blue jersey for their state and both Peter and Boyd thoroughly deserve their place alongside our other champions,” he said.
The NSWRL Hall of Fame includes the 11 Immortals and 25 other players who have represented their state with distinction.
By Chris KARAS
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