David Peachey

David Peachey (born 21 February 1974 in Dubbo, New South Wales) is a former professional rugby league player in the National Rugby League (NRL). His position of choice was at fullback. During his career, Peachey played for the Cronulla Sharks and the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the NRL and the Widnes Vikings in the English League One. Peachey also played representative rugby league for Country Origin, New South Wales and Australia.

Playing career

Peachey began playing league rugby for his local junior club in Dubbo, the Dubbo Macquarie Raiders. Two other well-known league exports - Preston Campbell and Nathan Blacklock - were in or around his age group at the same time at the Raiders. After several seasons in the country with Dubbo he signed with the Cronulla Sharks.

Cronulla Sharks

Peachey's career with the Sharks began in the reserve squad but he quickly made his way into the first grade side after many dazzling performances in the lower grades. He made his first grade debut on March 12, 1994 in Round 1 against the Canberra Raiders at Toyota Park.

Over the next few seasons Peachey quickly established himself as a first team regular in the Sharks' first grade side. His broken running and unexpected flashes of magic consistently dazzled not only home but also away crowds and he soon became a strong fan favourite within the league.

In 1999, David Peachey was presented with the Dally M award for Fullback of the Year. Peachey was selected at fullback for New South Wales in the 2000 State of Origin series. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury kept him out of the second and third games of the series, but not before he could cross for the match winning try in Game 1.

After attaining several awards of recognition with the NRL and being awarded with representative jerseys for both New South Wales and Australia, Peachey started to go through a patch of bad form and what seemed like bad luck. When long time coach John Lang left soon after and Chris Anderson came in, Peachey looked as if he seemed to lose some of his desire for the game and on one occasion went missing for a short period .

Niggling injuries of the hamstring started to plague him as he started to get on in age and it seemed as if the Sharks veteran could have possibly been put aside in the hope of finding some younger blood. After a slow start to 2004 Peachey found some of his best form towards the later part of the year and when contract negotiations were settled mid year he seemed to re-focus his mind back on football, playing with the trademark skills and excitement that Sharks fans had become accustomed to .

As the 2005 season got underway rumours started to surface that new Cronulla coach Stuart Raper wanted to go in a new direction with his fullback and would subsequently cast Peachey aside . For several months his future seemed uncertain until he announced on The NRL Footy Show that the club would no longer be retaining his services after twelve years of loyalty.

After his final match against for Cronulla, ironically a loss to Souths, played in wet conditions at night, Peachey left the formal farewell celebrations early to meet with his loyal fans who were waiting in the rain outside the dressing rooms.

These fans included Souths fans determined to show their respect. Peachey stayed signing autographs and agreed to have his photo taken until the very last fan of either club had left. Said one Souths fan present "It was one of the most warm hearted gestures Ive ever seen in the game. His kind words of gratitude to the freezing fans made us feel special, when it was supposed to be his night. He's just an outstanding fellow, down to earth and very humbling."

Widnes Vikings

After hearing the Cronulla boards decision not to retain his services after the 2005 season, Peachey began to negotiate with several clubs for the start of the 2006 season. Many speculated within the media where he would eventually end up but one thing became certain after he made an announcement that he would move overseas to continue his career as he did not want to turn out against his old club anytime in the future.

Peachey was then signed as a utility back by the English Super League club, Widnes Vikings though after their relegation the club claimed it would not be able to afford his services. The club and fans, still desperate to acquire the services of the Australian, organised several fundraiser events which allowed Peachey to join the club for the beginning of the new season. However in sweeping changes made by new club chairman Stephen Vaughan, Peachey had his contract terminated by Widnes Vikings on Thursday 11th May 2006.

South Sydney Rabbitohs

In late May, 2006, the South Sydney Rabbitohs announced the signing of Peachey to a contract for the remainder of the 2006 season, later extended to 2007.

The first two rounds of the NRL season in 2007, saw a rejuvenated Peachey playing with vigour and a seemingly contagious attitude that rubs off on both his fellow players and the fans. His steadying influence and the ability to create something out of nothing, make "the Peach" a handful for any opposition. Despite having turned 33 before the season commenced, he has indicated that he is keen to have one more season with Souths. With the arrival of Craig Wing at Souths, it was announced on the 7th of July 2007 that David Peachy would retire from the game at the end of the season, in order to fit Wing under the salary cap.

David Peachey played his last game in the 2007 NSWRL Premier League grand final for the North Sydney Bears.

Representative Games

Country: Represented Country Origin on one occasion in 2003
State Of Origin: Played 1 game in total for New South Wales (2000)
Australia: Played 1 game in total for his country

David Peachey Foundation

The David Peachey Foundation was founded because of David's continual interaction with indigenous communities throughout Australia and the many enquiries that he had to field from talented young kids about living their dreams of making it to the top leagues of sport and becoming professional athletes.

The current focus of the foundation is to helping out indigenous kids from rural and remote areas that excel or show potential in rugby league, with a long-term view to extending to other sports.

The foundation goes about their mission by providing small grants and support mechanisms for Indigenous children who participate in sport representing their state and or country. This support usually comes from financial aid to the children.