Chris Phelan
Prop
Player Bio
- Date of Birth:
- 12 December 1955
- Birthplace:
- Port Laoise, Ireland
- Origin Debut:
- 28 July 1981
- Venue:
- Lang Park, Brisbane
Career
Achievements
- Debut game: July 28, 1981 - Lang Park, Brisbane
Games
- Games
- 2
- Tries
- 0
- Points
- 0
Biography
Born in Ireland, but raised in Townsville, Chris Phelan won Brisbane premierships with Souths in 1981 and 1985; as well as two Sydney premierships with Parramatta, in 1982 and 1983.
Bennett coached Phelan at Souths in 1985, while Jack Gibson was his coach at Parramatta. Phelan joined Brisbane Souths from Townsville Souths in 1980, dedicating his career to his brother, Pat, who also played for Souths, but drowned in the Brisbane River in 1978.
In 1981, Phelan won the Rothmans Medal as Brisbane Rugby League’s player of the year.
He made his Origin debut from Souths in 1981, and played one more game, from Parramatta, in 1984.
Phelan played lock and second row for Queensland, but was in the front row for Souths when they beat Wynnum Manly in the 1985 grand final.
There has not been a tougher footballer than Chris Phelan, and he is a winner.
Wayne Bennett Former Queensland Maroons Coach
Phelan had an off-season stint with English club, Oldham in 1984-85. He had toured England with the 1983 Queensland side, and twice represented the Maroons under the residential rules, in 1981.
On his retirement as a player, Phelan took on coaching roles at the Broncos, Souths and Brothers. He was named in the Souths Team of the Century, as well as being installed as a member of the club's Hall of Fame.
Former Origin Greats
Queensland Rugby League respects and honours 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.