He was a state representative versatile forward for Queensland[2] and a two-time New South Wales Rugby League premiership-winner with the Parramatta Eels.
[3] Immensely strong for his size, the Townsville forward was playing for Brisbane's Southern Suburbs club when he was first selected for Queensland at lock in all three games of the 1981 interstate series.
Phelan was the Brisbane Rugby League premierships Rothmans Medal winner that year and also won the Grand Final with Souths.
He played at prop in the Eels' two Grand Final wins over Manly in 1982 and 1983 but moved to the second-row for the 6–4 loss in the 1984 decider against Canterbury.
After a season with Oldham in England, Phelan returned to his home state in 1985 and continued playing with Souths, helping them to victory in the 1985 Brisbane Rugby League grand final.