The Parramatta Eels are planning to immortalize Nathan Hindmarsh with a bronze statue at Parramatta Stadium — and true to Hindy’s legendary status, the memorial won’t shy away from the humor that has endeared him to fans. In fact, embracing his on‑field grit (and occasional wardrobe malfunctions), the statue may feature a cheeky nod to his infamous “bronzed bum‑crack” moment .
🏉 Why Nathan Hindmarsh Deserves Immortality
1. Eel Legend & Club Icon
- A one‑club man, Hindmarsh debuted for the Parramatta Eels in Round 10, 1998 and went on to play 330 games—the all‑time record for the club (parraeels.com.au).
- He broke new ground as the first NRL player to log over 12,000 tackles and surpassed 30,000 running metres (parraeels.com.au).
2. His Tackle Machine Legacy
- Known as a tackling titan, Hindmarsh was the first to hit 10,000 tackles in league-wide stats. His career tally reached approximately 12,150 (nrl.com).
- His hallmark toughness earned him the Dally M Second Rower of the Year five times (2000, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006) (en.wikipedia.org).
3. Beloved by Fans
- Hindmarsh took home the Provan‑Summons “people’s player” medal five times (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011), underscoring his popularity (en.wikipedia.org).
- He remains one of Parramatta’s most celebrated players, inducted into their Hall of Fame in August 2018 (parraeels.com.au).
4. National & State Representation
- Hindmarsh donned the blue of New South Wales 17 times and the green and gold of Australia in 23 Tests (2000–2009), including Tri‑Nations and World Cup campaigns (parraeels.com.au).
The Statue & The Crack: Why It’s Perfectly Hindy
When Hindmarsh’s farewell tour wrapped up in 2012, fans and former teammates joked that any statue of Hindy would be incomplete without a shining bronze butt‑crack . The joke wasn’t just playful ribbing — it was a witty tribute to the image of Hindmarsh’s pants sagging late in games, a symbol of his relentless effort.
- Former Eels legend Brett Kenny quipped that “if Hindy gets a statue, there has to be bum crack” (1eyedeel.com).
- Nathan Cayless, his long‑time teammate and friend, fully backed the idea — insisting that “when people think Parramatta Eels, they think of Nathan Hindmarsh” (1eyedeel.com).
By celebrating not just Hindmarsh’s remarkable achievements but also these light-hearted moments, the statue captures the human side of a hero — flaws, humor, and all.
A Fitting Tribute for a True Warrior
This proposed statue joins an elite group of Parramatta legends honored in bronze, including Ray Price (2009), Peter Sterling, Mick Cronin, and more (foxsports.com.au). Hindmarsh’s addition emphasizes his status as the embodiment of Eels values: loyalty, effort, and community connection.
The half‑serious, half‑tongue‑in‑cheek inclusion of the bronze bum‑crack speaks volumes: this is a statue not only of athletic greatness but also of a player who never took himself too seriously and whose authenticity resonated deeply with supporters.
What Comes Next?
While formal design details remain under wraps, Stadium Trust officials are strongly considering the statue, with Eels legends and fans rallying behind it . If approved, the statue would stand at Parramatta Stadium (or a future home venue), next to other Eels immortals.
The unveiling promises to be both a celebration of Hindmarsh’s legacy and a slightly irreverent fan-favourite moment — a fitting tribute to a player known for delivering 50‑tackle games with a grin and a sense of fun.
Final Word
Nathan Hindmarsh’s pending bronze statue is a perfect encapsulation of his career and personality. It honors:
- Unmatched toughness and on-field brilliance
- Fan adoration and club loyalty
- Self-deprecating humor, immortalizing the iconic bum‑crack moment
Whether you call him a tackling machine, a people’s champ, or just really relentless pants‑pulling, Hindmarsh embodied everything the Eels stand for.
If approved, this statue won’t just commemorate a player — it’ll celebrate the spirit of Parramatta itself.
