Cronulla Panthers Thread

Peachey to play for Gundagai

http://www.dailyadvertiser.com.au/ne...i/1846980.aspx

BY STEPHANIE MUIR
02 Jun, 2010 09:39 AM

AFTER several false starts Gundagai has finally landed a marquee player to make a special appearance in a Group Nine game.

The Tigers yesterday confirmed Cronulla legend David Peachey will make a one-off appearance for the club against Southcity at Anzac Park on Saturday.

Gundagai had earlier tangoed with the prospect of luring NRL heavyweight Wendall Sailor for a celebrity appearance at the club but the deal could not be completed.

Securing Peachey has been a significant coup for the club, with the former NRL fullback and crowd favourite to heavily raise the profile of the game.

Gundagai president Jamie Turnbull yesterday said he was hopeful Peachey's visit would help promote the game of rugby league in the region.

"David is a very high-profile player from not only his rugby league and television careers but also the great work the David Peachey Foundation carries out," he said.

"We are hopeful his appearance will raise the profile of rugby league and further encourage and inspire young kids to play the game.

"We want kids to be interested in playing and if they see someone like David Peachey playing in their region that will definitely help."

Turnbull said Peachey's friendship with Gundagai captain-coach Matt Rose had been the driving factor behind the fullback's decision to make an appearance for Gundagai.

He is expecting Peachey will start the game but final decisions on position were to be made at the Tigers' training session last night.

"I wouldn't think he would come off the bench but in saying that the team hasn't been selected yet," he said.

Peachey will arrive in Gundagai on Saturday morning, ready for a full day of Tigers action and signing autographs.

"David is very approachable and he will be more than happy to sign autographs on Saturday," he said.

"He will also be in attendance at our evening function."

Turnbull said Peachey's willingness to participate in the one-off game was a testament to rugby league.

"It is great that players like David and the guys who played in the Junee versus Brothers game are willing to come and play in games like that," he said.

"You don't see many, or any, former Australian football players who return to the bush for appearances like this; it's great for the profile of rugby league."
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