Peter Sterling

Peter Sterling

Peter Sterling compensated for a lack of size and pace with control and organisational skills that allowed Parramatta's all-star back line a great deal of ball. His kicking, backed up by Kenny and Ray Price's superb chasing, often gave Parramatta an advantage in territory. His fast mind meant that he rarely made a wrong decision. He was an effective defender rare to miss a tackle, and often in position to secure a loose ball.

He joined the Parramatta Eels in 1978 making his first appearance as a stand-in Fullback during the 1978 finals series, and played his first game as the Eels halfback in the 17-11 Minor-Semi replay loss to eventual premiers Manly-Warringah. After a few games at Five-eighth in 1979, Sterling shifted to halfback and established himself as a player to watch in 1980. 1981 saw the Jack Gibson coached Eels win their first Grand Final with a 20-11 win over the Tommy Raudonikis led Newtown Jets, with Sterling's superb skill and control one of the decisive factors.

Sterling played 229 games for Parramatta in a 15 year career from 1978-1992, scoring 48 tries, one goal, and 15 field goals for a total of 190 points. He played 18 tests for Australia, scoring 4 tries, as well as playing 13 games for NSW (winning 4 man of the match awards), one game for City Firsts, one for City Seconds, 3 for Country Firsts and two for County Origin.