He might just be one of the most underrated players in Rugby League history. With electrifying pace and one of the best sidesteps the game has ever seen, Steve Ella was a phenomenon in the legendary Parramatta Eels backline of the 1980s — winning four Premierships during the club’s golden era.



A proud Yuin man, Steve represented New South Wales and was part of the Blues’ first-ever State of Origin series win. He also earned his place among the game’s greats, as a member of the 1982 Kangaroos — the iconic “Invincibles” who went undefeated on their historic tour of Great Britain and France. While the record books list four Test caps, Steve made 13 appearances on that tour alone, crossing for an astonishing 21 tries.



Off the field, Steve’s impact has been just as powerful. He holds a Master of Philosophy (Medicine) and a Graduate Diploma in Indigenous Health Promotion, and today serves as the Central Coast District Director of Aboriginal Health. Through leadership, research, and innovation, he continues to drive meaningful change in the delivery of culturally safe and high-quality healthcare for Aboriginal communities.



A brilliant athlete. A true game-changer. And an even greater man.