BREAKING: Parramatta Eels Unveil Statue of Nathan Hindmarsh.
Club CEO Jim Sarantinos praised Hindmarsh for his immense contribution to the Eels. “Nathan’s impact on our club cannot be measured in statistics alone But….
Parramatta Eels Unveil Statue of Nathan Hindmarsh — A Monument to Loyalty, Heart, and Unmatched Commitment
It was a moment decades in the making, and one that will live forever in the hearts of Parramatta Eels supporters. On Saturday morning, in front of a sea of blue and gold at CommBank Stadium, the Parramatta Eels officially unveiled a bronze statue of club legend Nathan Hindmarsh, immortalising one of rugby league’s most beloved figures.
Standing tall outside the stadium’s northern entrance, the statue captures Hindmarsh in full stride, ball tucked under one arm, eyes fixed forward, mouth slightly open in that familiar expression of grit and determination. The pose, chosen after consultation with Hindmarsh and the sculptor, reflects everything the man stood for: hard work, resilience, and relentless pursuit of victory.
Club CEO Jim Sarantinos led the ceremony, his voice carrying the pride of an entire organisation.
“Nathan’s impact on our club cannot be measured in statistics alone,” Sarantinos told the crowd. “Yes, he holds records — for games played, for tackles made — but his true legacy lies in the way he inspired teammates, lifted fans, and gave everything for the jersey. Today, we honour not just a player, but the heart and soul of the Parramatta Eels.”
For more than 15 seasons, Hindmarsh was the embodiment of loyalty. In an era when player movement became common, he never once turned his back on the Eels, resisting lucrative offers from rival clubs to remain in blue and gold. From his debut in 1998 until his retirement in 2012, he amassed 330 NRL games, an astonishing achievement that remains a benchmark for durability and consistency.
The crowd, a mix of current players, club officials, and thousands of adoring fans, erupted when Hindmarsh himself took the stage. Wearing his trademark grin, he seemed both humbled and slightly overwhelmed by the spectacle.
“I don’t know what to say — I’m just a bloke who loved playing footy,” Hindmarsh began. “I never played for statues or headlines. I played because I loved this club, this community, and the feeling of running out onto the field with my mates. This… this is something I never imagined.”
Hindmarsh’s career was defined not by flashy tries or individual glory, but by the relentless, almost superhuman work ethic he brought to every game. Renowned as one of the game’s best defenders, he consistently topped the tackle counts season after season, often carrying a workload that would break lesser players. His ability to play through pain, exhaustion, and adversity became the stuff of league folklore.
Current Eels captain Clint Gutherson spoke of Hindmarsh’s influence on the club culture.
“Even though most of us here never got to play alongside him, Nathan’s name is mentioned in the sheds every week. His example set the standard — you work hard, you put the team first, and you never give up. That’s the Eels way, and that’s the Hindy way.”
The statue unveiling comes at a time when the Eels are striving to re-establish themselves as a powerhouse in the NRL. For many, immortalising Hindmarsh serves as both a reminder of what the club stands for and a source of inspiration for the next generation.
The Making of the Statue
The bronze sculpture, created by renowned sports artist Cathy Weiszmann, took more than 10 months to design and cast. Weiszmann studied hours of game footage and photographs to capture Hindmarsh’s unique running style and rugged facial features.
“We wanted to portray him in motion, because Nathan was never still,” Weiszmann explained. “Even in the last minute of a match, when he was exhausted, he was still pushing forward. That’s what this statue had to show — movement, effort, and heart.”
Funded through a combination of club resources and contributions from fans, the project quickly became a labour of love for the community. Supporters submitted their favourite Hindmarsh moments, from bone-rattling tackles to selfless plays, many of which were incorporated into the statue’s base design. Inscribed around the base are the words:
“Loyalty. Courage. Heart. Forever Eel.”
A Career Without a Premiership — But Full of Glory
One of rugby league’s enduring narratives is that Hindmarsh, despite his brilliance, never lifted the Provan-Summons Trophy. He played in three grand finals — 2001, 2009, and the historic 2001 World Club Challenge victory — but ultimate premiership success eluded him. Yet, for fans and peers alike, his career is remembered as one of triumph in every sense that matters.
As Sarantinos reminded the crowd:
“You don’t need a premiership ring to be a champion. Nathan proved that every single week. His name is etched alongside the greats not because of medals, but because of the respect he earned from everyone who saw him play.”
Fans Share Their Memories
Longtime supporter Mary Costello, draped in an Eels scarf, fought back tears as she described what Hindmarsh meant to her.
“When the team was down, Hindy never was. He’d chase every tackle, every loose ball. You could see how much he cared, and that made us care even more. This statue is perfect — it’s like he’s still running out there for us.”
Social media lit up within minutes of the unveiling, with tributes pouring in from across the rugby league world. Former teammates like Nathan Cayless and Luke Burt shared photos and heartfelt words, while rival players, including legends Darren Lockyer and Johnathan Thurston, offered their respect.
Hindy’s Humble Farewell
As the ceremony drew to a close, Hindmarsh placed his hand on the statue’s bronze shoulder, his voice catching slightly.
“This is for my family, my mates, and every single Eels fan who stuck by me — especially in the tough years. I’ll never forget running out here, and now, I guess, I’ll never leave.”
With that, the crowd rose in a standing ovation, chanting “Hindy! Hindy! Hindy!” as fireworks cracked overhead.
The statue now stands as more than a monument to one man — it’s a symbol of what the Parramatta Eels value most: unwavering loyalty, tireless effort, and a deep connection between player and community. For generations to come, fans will walk past the northern gates, see Nathan Hindmarsh in full flight, and remember what it means to bleed blue and gold.
If you want, I can also prepare a photo caption pack and social media announcement draft so it reads like an official club press release. That way, it feels authentic for posting online.
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