In a moment that feels both historic and long overdue, Parramatta Eels icon Brett Kenny has officially been recognised among rugby league’s Immortal GOATs, cementing his place as one of the greatest players the sport has ever known. For fans across generations, it is not a surprise — it is a celebration of a legacy that has lived in hearts for decades.
To those who wore blue and gold in the early 1980s, Kenny was poetry in motion. A five-eighth blessed with breathtaking footwork, blistering speed, and an instinctive football brain, he didn’t just play the game — he conducted it. Between 1981 and 1986, Kenny was the creative soul of Parramatta’s golden era, helping guide the club to four Premierships and forming one of the most feared attacking combinations in rugby league history.
But Brett Kenny’s greatness refused to be confined to one competition, one country, or one era.
At State of Origin and Test level, he rose again and again, producing clutch performances on the biggest stages and against the toughest opposition. Wearing the green and gold, he represented Australia with distinction, flair, and fearless confidence, leaving an indelible mark on the international game.
Then came England — and once more, Kenny conquered.
In a time when few Australians dominated overseas, Brett Kenny became a phenomenon in the UK, starring for clubs such as Wigan, Wakefield, and Hull KR. He won Challenge Cups, dazzled packed stadiums, and earned a rare reputation: an Australian widely regarded as the best player in England while still revered at home. His success across two hemispheres elevated rugby league globally and paved the way for future stars to follow.
Today’s GOAT recognition is not about rewriting history — it is about honouring it properly.
Statisticians marvel at his numbers. Coaches praise his football IQ. Fans remember the magic — the sidesteps, the tries, the moments that made you fall in love with rugby league in the first place.
Brett Kenny was never just a star of his generation.
He is a champion for all time.
A maestro in blue and gold.
An Immortal — forever. 💙💛🐍
