Former Parramatta Eels hooker John McMartin has passed away, aged 73.

McMartin played 167 games for the Eels between 1965 and 1975, representing New South Wales in one match in his final year with Parramatta. He was the identical twin brother of Mal McMartin who played for Balmain Tigers.

McMartin was the first recorded player to be offered a privately sponsored contract when he joined the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in 1967, where he played for four seasons including the 1978 drawn Grand Final against Manly. McMartin retired at the end of the 1979 season.

The Parramatta Eels offer their sincerest condolences to John’s wife Cathy, and daughters Angela and Jennifer.