'Tough as teak' two-time Parramatta Eels premiership winner Chris Phelan dies after cancer battle

Two-time Parramatta Eels premiership winner Chris Phelan has died at the age of 70 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

A member of the club's back-to-back titles in 1982 and 1983, the Irish-born forward's passing was confirmed by the Eels on Tuesday afternoon.

Phelan played 53 games in the blue and gold jersey, while also representing Queensland on four occasions in the early-80s.

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The front-rower was born in Portloise, Ireland but moved to Australia as part of the "10-pound Pom" scheme at the age of 12.

He started his rugby league career in Townsville before moving to Brisbane and playing for Souths Magpies in their 1981 premiership team, claiming the Rothmans Medal.

Phelan moved south and joined Parramatta the following year and tasted success immediately, starting in two grand final-winning teams.

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He also featured in the 1984 decider against the Bulldogs.

"He was tough as teak," Eels great Peter Wynn told News Corp.

"He was a great bloke, a great teammate, highly respected by the opposition."

Parramatta confirmed players would wear black armbands for their round 10 clash against the North Queensland Cowboys on Friday night.