The upcoming Men of League charity match at Varley Oval is set to be a big homecoming for some of Inverell’s finest rugby league products.
Preston Campbell will play his first game at the venue since the 1996 A grade preliminary final against Warialda, when he captain’s the Inverell RSM Invitational side, who will play the Joblink Plus Men of League Legends.
“I’ve got a lot of fond memories of playing there, but I imagine the place must look a bit different these days,” he said.
“I’m really looking forward to coming back to where it all began.”
Campbell played his junior footy with the Inverell Hawks and went through the A grade ranks before starting his distinguished NRL career with the Gold Coast in 1998.
He went on to play 267 first grade games, which included winning the Dally M Medal for player of the year with the Cronulla Sharks in 2001 and a premiership with the Penrith Panthers in 2003, he also represented Country origin and was a pioneer of the NRL Allstars game.
Since retiring at the end of last season, Campbell said he is looking forward to playing again, but said it didn’t feel unusual to not be preparing for another NRL season.
“To be honest not really.”
“I think that shows it was the right time to hang up the boots.”
Campbell has remained with the Gold Coast Titans in an off-field position, where he has been involved with lots of community based workshops, helping youths with education and finding in employment on the Gold Coast and the Northern Rivers of NSW.
For Campbell, involvement in the charity match is important for two main reasons.
“Firstly the Men of League is a very important thing to have for past and present players and secondly to go back and show people where I started.”
“It’s a great club there and they really looked after me with my footy and in general.”
The majority of Campbell’s family still live in the area and he said it was always great to be able to come back and relax.
Another former Inverell Junior set to return for the match is Robbie McCormack.
McCormack played 169 first grade games for the Newcastle Knights and the Hunter Mariners and also played State of Origin for NSW.
“I think it will actually be a good trip down memory lane,” he said.
“There’s lots of fond memories of good times playing there when I was growing up.
“It should be good to get together, catch up with people and just have a bit of a fun.”
McCormack also highlighted the importance of supporting the Men of League and the Inverell community.
“I always had lots of support over the years so it’s good to be able to put a little bit back into the town and the footy club and help to strengthen the place.”
“Men of League is a great cause and they do lots of great work, which is brilliant for the game.”
“They just keep growing and growing and do a lot for the community, so it’s great to be involved with them.”
Both Campbell and McCormack said they were looking forward to coming back to Inverell and playing alongside all those involved.
Former NRL players Nathan Blacklock, Owen Craigie and Paul Step-henson and a number of current and former local players will join Campbell and McCormack in the invitational side.
Event organiser Jamie Petrie said former Australian representative Scott Hill and 1997 premiership winner Tony Butterfield are confirmed to play for the legends side.
The charity match will be played Saturday night, February 11 at Varley Oval, where there will also be a free kids coaching clinic from 10.30-11.30 in the morning.
This will provide kids with a great opportunity to meet the players and learn some valuable skills about the game.
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