The Parramatta rugby league community is in deep mourning following the heartbreaking passing of **Kathleen Wharton** on **21 April 2024**. Though not an Eels player herself, Whartonโs influence, spirit, and connection to the wider NRL family made her a respected and cherished figure across all clubs โ including Parramatta, where many players and supporters held her in high regard.
Known widely as a โWarriorโ for her fearless approach to the game and her unwavering commitment to womenโs rugby league, Kathleen embodied everything the Parramatta region celebrates: resilience, heart, family, and unity. Her dedication to uplifting young players and supporting the gameโs growth earned her admiration well beyond the teams she represented.
Within the broader Parramatta fanbase, many have described her as a true inspiration โ a woman who played with passion, lived with kindness, and carried herself with a powerful sense of purpose. Local Eels supporters groups took to social media shortly after the news broke, expressing their sorrow and paying tribute to the legacy she leaves behind. Messages such as *โForever in our memories,โ* *โA true rugby sister,โ* and *โRest easy, Warriorโ* have flooded tribute pages.
Those close to the Parramatta club noted that Kathleenโs impact on the womenโs game indirectly shaped many of the talented female athletes who aspire to wear the Blue & Gold. Her leadership style โ strong yet nurturing โ is remembered by players who had the privilege of learning from or watching her career unfold. Her sportsmanship, humility, and passion mirrored many of the core values embraced by the Parramatta community.
