Parramatta Eels legend Peter Sterling could be set to take the stage on NRL grand final day with Clive Churchill’s son Rod to be stripped of the honour of presenting the medal named in his father’s honour.
Churchill’s comments about Latrell Mitchell, which came to light in recent weeks, have forced the NRL to take a stance and amend their post-game presentation.
Sterling won the medal in 1986 and could start a new process for how it’s presented.
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“The NRL has spoken to Rod Churchill and they have agreed he won’t be on stage to present the award this year and it is his request that for future years, the previous Clive Churchill medal winners will present the award, starting with the first winner in 1986, which will be Peter Sterling,” 9news reporter Michael Chammas said on Nine’s 100% Footy.
“I think the NRL are going to make contact with Peter Sterling in the coming days and ask him whether or not he’s available to get on stage and present the Clive Churchill medal this year.”
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The NRL’s decision will spark a new tradition where the next name on the list presents the following year with Cliff Lyons winning in 1987 and therefore would hand out the medal in 2024.
Paul Dunn, who won in 1988, would be next, followed by Bradley Clyde and Ricky Stuart.
Last year’s Clive Churchill medallist Dylan Edwards would be eligible to present the award in 2057.