Parramatta Eels legend Jan Bryen busiest - and bravest — woman in NRL, International women’s day

Parramatta Eels supporter, and volunteer Jan Bryen could be the bravest woman in the NRL. She’s definitely been one of the busiest for the last 44 odd years.

Parramatta Eels legend Jan Bryen. Picture: Supplied

Long time Parramatta Eels supporter and volunteer Jan Bryen could be the busiest and bravest woman in NRL.

This footy legend grew up supporting the St George Illawarra Dragons, switched to follow her beloved Parramatta Eels but now lives deep in Penrith Panthers territory - within cooee of their stadium.

It’s about the last place you ever expect to find a loyal and dedicated Parramatta fan of 40 plus years but that’s where Bryen’s most recent move has taken her.

“I may be the only person who follows Parramatta there but I leave the house with pride,’’ said the staunch supporter ahead of International Women’s Day.

This exceptional and loyal rugby league lover has been an integral cog at the Parramatta Eels Club for 44 years and their first and only female Life Member.

Tayla Preston, Rima Butler and Ruby-Jean Kennard of the Eels celebrate victory during the NRLW semi last season.

Bryen said she has loved her involvement and watching so many players graduate from the junior ranks into the elite programs including NRLW young guns Ruby Jean Kennard (All Saints Toongabbie), Lindsay Tui (Mounties) and Jade (Montana) Fonua (Cabramatta) and the likes of NRL stars Mitchell Moses (All Saints Toongabbie), Junior Paulo (Cabramatta), Matt Dorrey (Kellyville), Dylan Brown (Wentworthville) and Sean Russell, Will Penisini and Jake Arthur, all from Rouse Hill Rhinos.

“It’s been great watching all the kids play and grow up, now the kids of some of those kids. Geeze. maybe I’ve been in this too long,’’ Bryen said.

Bryden, who is on the Parramatta Junior League Board of Directors, said two of the biggest changes she has witnessed in the game are the introduction of a no-tackle rule for some of the youngest players and the NRLW.

Mitchell Moses of the Eels looks during the NRL pre-season challenge.

“I think its (NRLW) is great),” she said.

“I think they can play better than the men at time and it can be more interesting.’’

The Eels have attributed a continuing growth in female participation at the club to volunteers like Bryen and last year introduced a Female Player of the Year Award named after her.

Bryen’s volunteering roles over the years have included General Committee of Fairfield Patrician Brothers JRLFC, Assistant Secretary and then Secretary for the Club, culminating in Life Membership in 2000, Parramatta Junior Rugby League Club Advisory Committee,

Assistant Secretary then Treasurer of the Parramatta Junior Rugby League Board from 2003 to 2022, culminating in Life Membership of the Parramatta District Convents Rugby League Association.

“I do it because I always want to help people,’’ said Bryen, whose passion is Try Time, a program encouraging kids with special needs and intellectual disabilities to play the game she is so passionate about.

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Originally published as Parramatta Eels legend Jan Bryen busiest - and bravest — woman in NRL, International women’s day