In a heartwarming homecoming for one of rugby league's most respected figures, Parramatta Eels legend Peter Sterling has officially joined the Northern Hawks as club ambassador for the 2026 season.
From Charity Golf to a Full Circle Return
The partnership began unexpectedly during a charity golf day, leading to a phone call from Hawks head of football Garth Brennan. Sterling, who famously played his first ever game of football as a six-year-old in Raymond Terrace and is now a full-time resident of Nelson Bay, saw the opportunity as a perfect fit.
"I say no to a lot of things because I don't want to commit to something I can't put my energy into," Sterling said at the official announcement held at the Junction Inn Hotel in Raymond Terrace on Thursday, January 15, 2026. "But when he mentioned an association with the local football team... it was kind of like a full circle."
The champion halfback, a four-time premiership winner with Parramatta, NSW Origin star, Australian representative, and hall of famer, has been retired from his media role at Channel Nine. Now "recharged," he felt the time was right for a return to the game, particularly in the Hunter region.
A Local Boy Inspiring the Next Generation
Sterling's connection to the area runs deep. He recalls weekends spent playing footy on Saturday and watching Raymond Terrace's senior teams on Sunday, a ritual that sparked his own legendary journey.
"I thought that if I could be some kind of influence on maybe a young player looking to undergo a similar journey, that would be a positive thing to be part of," Sterling explained, listing this as a key reason for accepting the role.
While his exact duties will be flexible, the 65-year-old expects to attend official club functions, be present at match days when possible, and may even lend his expertise at training sessions. His focus will be on mentoring the playmakers, offering the strategic insight that made him one of the game's greats.
"I always thought to be a good playmaker, it's like you're sitting in the grandstand watching the game and getting an overall view," he said, outlining his coaching philosophy. He aims to broaden the horizons of the halves and five-eighths, helping them see the game differently without overloading them with information.
Hawks Build for 2026 Campaign
The ambassador news comes as the Northern Hawks prepare for their 2026 Newcastle Rugby League campaign. Coach Steve Simpson, who played in the same second-row position, expressed his enthusiasm about working with new recruit Ethan Campbell, formerly of Central Newcastle.
The club has also secured the signatures of Newcastle-born playmaker Bryce Donovan, a Queensland Cup centurion, and fellow half Noah Ryan. Simpson indicated the Hawks might still utilise their available marquee player spot in the coming months.
Pre-season training has recommenced after an initial block before Christmas. The Hawks will launch their season against the Lakes United Seagulls in Magic Round at Maitland Sportsground on April 11, 2026.
The club will be looking to improve on a difficult 2025 first-grade season, while building on the strong performances of their women's tackle team, who were golden-point grand final losers, and their under-19s side, which dropped only one regular-season game.
For Peter Sterling and the Northern Hawks, 2026 represents a new chapter, forged from local roots and a shared passion for the community's rugby league future.
