PARRAMATTA EELS ISSUE HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES AS CEO JIM SARANTINOS OPENS UP ABOUT DEVASTATING 2014 HEALTH CRISIS
Club stands with leader who shared harrowing details of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma diagnosis, hailing his resilience amid dual battle with illness and club leadership
PARRAMATTA — The Parramatta Eels have released a heartfelt message of condolence and support for CEO Jim Sarantinos after he opened up publicly about the devastating health crisis that plunged him into one of the saddest moments of his life: his diagnosis with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at just 33 years old in 2014.
In a raw and honest account, Sarantinos spoke of experiencing severe pain before discovering large tumors, triggering an intense period of treatment and recovery — all while managing his demanding role leading the NRL club and caring for his young family. The unexpected health challenge, he revealed, tested him in ways he never imagined, prompting the Eels to issue a statement affirming their unwavering solidarity with their long-serving leader.
“Jim’s courage in sharing the harrowing details of his battle reminds us of the incredible strength he has shown throughout his tenure,” the club’s statement read. “We send our deepest condolences for the pain and uncertainty he endured during that dark period, and we celebrate his remarkable recovery. His journey has become a source of inspiration for our entire organisation and the Parramatta community.”
Since taking the helm, Sarantinos has transformed the Eels into one of the NRL’s most stable and forward-thinking clubs. Despite on-field results fluctuating over the years, his off-field achievements are unparalleled: he stabilized the club’s fragile financial position, drove record membership growth that defied even COVID-19 restrictions, and secured landmark infrastructure including the state-of-the-art Kellyville High Performance Centre.
He has also forged powerful community partnerships with the City of Parramatta, built a united culture focused on long-term success, and invested heavily in junior development pathways. Sarantinos has repeatedly emphasized his commitment to creating an “enduring sporting legacy” that balances commercial prosperity with meaningful community engagement — a vision he says was profoundly shaped by his fight against cancer.
Players and staff have echoed the club’s support, with head coach Brad Arthur describing Sarantinos as “a true leader who leads by example, turning adversity into strength.”
As the Eels continue to build toward their future, Sarantinos’ story stands as a powerful testament to resilience, reminding all that behind the success of a sporting club lies the human courage of those who lead it.
