title: Rod Pethybridge
text: # Rod Pethybridge
  
  Rod Pethybridge is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s. He played for Western Suburbs, Balmain and Penrith in the NSWRL competition. He also played for Featherstone and York in England.
  
  ## Background
  
  Pethybridge is the brother of former rugby league player Gary Pethybridge who played between 1970-1980. His nephew Scott Pethybridge was also a first grade rugby league player making 108 appearances between 1994-2002.
  
  ## Playing career
  
  Pethybridge was a Balmain junior but made his first grade debut for Penrith in round 14 of the 1983 NSWRL season against South Sydney. In 1984, Pethybridge spent a year with Featherstone in England before returning to Australia and signing with Balmain. Pethybridge made eight appearances for Balmain in 1985 filling in for injured Garry Jack. Pethybridge would then return to England once more and played for York during the NSWRL off-season. In 1986, Pethybridge signed for Western Suburbs and finished second in the Rothmans Medal voting that season after scoring 12 tries in 23 games. The 1987 season was less successful with the club finishing with the Wooden Spoon and it would be Pethybridge's last in the NSWRL.
  
  