PARRAMATTA EELS SECURE LEGEND BRETT KENNY AS AMBASSADOR AND ADVISOR
Parramatta Eels have seized a golden opportunity to welcome back their most celebrated player, Brett Kenny, with the club announcing his appointment as team ambassador and advisor in a landmark move that has sent ripples through the NRL community.
The 62-year-old, a true icon of the blue and gold, was the heartbeat of the Eels’ dominant 1980s era – a period that remains the most successful in the club’s history. Kenny played a pivotal role in delivering four NSWRL Premierships to Parramatta in 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1986, etching his name into rugby league folklore with a remarkable feat: scoring two tries in each of the first three grand final victories.
His exceptional performances in those deciders earned him consecutive Clive Churchill Medals as Man of the Match in 1982 and 1983 – a testament to his ability to rise to the biggest occasions. A one-club man through and through, Kenny pulled on the Eels jersey 265 times over his illustrious career, forming one of the greatest halves partnerships in the game’s history alongside fellow legend Peter Sterling.
Beyond his domestic success, Kenny achieved international stardom as a Kangaroo Tourist, representing Australia with distinction on the world stage. In 1985, he capped off a stellar year by winning both the Golden Boot – awarded to the world’s best player – and the Lance Todd Trophy for his man-of-the-match display in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley Stadium.
Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos described the appointment as a “full-circle moment” for the club. “Brett Kenny is Parramatta royalty,” he said. “Having him back in an official capacity will not only inspire our current playing group but also reconnect our passionate fan base with the glory days that defined our identity.”
Kenny expressed his excitement at returning to the club that shaped his career. “Parramatta has always been my home,” he said. “I’m honoured to take on this role and help guide the next generation of Eels stars, while also celebrating the rich history we’ve built together.”
