David Peachey

Freakishly gifted Dubbo fullback overcame an injury as a teenager (in which he severed an artery in his wrist) to forge a career with the Sharks as one of the most creative players in the game. After coming through Cronulla’s junior ranks Peachey represented NSW in Super League’s Tri-Series competition before making his international debut against NZ in the inaugural ANZac Test. After Cronulla’s loss to Brisbane in the Telstra Cup grand final Peachey toured Great Britain with Super League’s Australian team but did not appear in a Test. His ability to confidently run the ball from well inside his own territory and his superb talent in creating a try out of the slightest chance saw him in great form in the early part of 1999. However, selectors overlooked Peachey for State of Origin duty despite the fact that he was ultimately named ‘Dally M’ Fullback of the Year and his 19 tries eclipsed Andrew Ettingshausen’s club record for a season. Peachey ultimately won a State of Origin jersey in 2000 after Melbourne’s Robbie Ross was a late withdrawal because of injury but despite scoring the winning try of the match further representative honours have eluded him. Assuming the club captaincy in 2001 his length of the field try against Penrith in 2001 - weaving a passage to score what was widely regarded as the try of the year - was an indication Peachey’s enormous talent. The veteran fullback struggled with motivation in coach Chris Anderson’s two seasons with the club but showed glimpses of his best form in 2004. Peachy cited personal reasons for leaving the club for England but his linking with National League One (Second Division) club Widnes was a surprise. Peachy walked out on the club to return to Australia to be with his dying father and joined Souths for the remainder of the season.