LEAGUE LEGEND: David Peachey works enthusiastically with the community, especially the young Aboriginal kids at the Rabbitohs.
RUGBY LEAGUE: When organisers of the Indigenous Reconciliation Carnival named David Peachey as its ambassador, they certainly got it right.
Peachey was in Rockhampton for the weekend carnival and was very impressive with his easy-going style and caring nature that ensured he was never too far away from the camera of proud parents wanting a picture of their children with the former NRL great.
While the role of ambassador usually involves meeting people and being seen around the venue, Peachey was far more active, joining the CQ Warriors and helping the side to victory in the Plate Final.
He loved it.
“It's an enjoyable thing to do; over the past years I've not had the opportunity (due to his NRL contract) to do it,” he said.
While Peachey is into his second year of retirement from first-class football it wasn't too difficult for him to get the boots on again as he still looks as fit as he was as a first team regular.
“When you do something for so long (13 years as a professional) it becomes a part of your life,” he explained with his trademark grin.
“Anyway, I enjoy the training side of things.”
While Peachey is best remembered for his long association with Cronulla, where he played more than 200 matches and scored more than 100 tries, he finished his professional football career with South Sydney, a club with which he is still associated and where he is an ambassador for an initiative called Souths Cares.
“I mentor the young players, especially the young Aboriginal lads,” he said.
“I just try to pass on any knowledge and experience.
“It is a good role and I enjoy it as it's something I fit straight into.”
Peachey is aware of the temptations that lie in wait for youngsters, especially some of the Aboriginal boys who come from small, tight-knit communities and move to a city club where they are earning high wages.
Apart from working with the club, Peachey still works with Aboriginal communities, assisting vulnerable young people, and that includes going to areas like Palm Island.
“The PCYC play a big role building a working relationship with the public,” he said.
“They assist in breaking down barriers.
“It's a great program.”
While a lot of the work done by Peachey is community-oriented, he is still a part of a top level football club and retains his passion for the game.
“I think the Rabbitohs will improve on last year,” he predicted.
Peachey said the loss of Craig Wing through injury exposed the depth in the squad and it was only a late run of results that saved the proud club from finishing on the bottom.
“This season anything other than finals football would be disappointing,” he declared.
“If that does not happen I can see a lot of changes at the club.
“We had fanatical support when we made the finals, but 2008 was very disappointing.”
