David Shillington /

Fast facts

• Born, raised and lived in Brisbane, QLD
• Debuted with the Sydney Roosters in 2005
• Played junior league for Brothers Juniors from 1989-1994, Norths Aspley Devils from 1995-1997, Valleys in 1998, and Norths St Joseph's in 1999
• Played with Sydney Roosters from 2005-2008, Canberra Raiders from 2009-2015 and Gold Coast Titans from 2016-2017
• Played 215 first grade games, eight State of Origin games and 14 International Test for Australia
• Recipient of the 2010 Dally M Prop of the Year, 2015 Academic Team of the Year, and Ken Stephens nominee in 2011
• Retired from professional rugby league in 2016
• NRL Ambassador in 2017
• NRL Community Program Deliverer since 2018

Fun facts

• Favourite NRL team: Gold Coast Titans
• Career ambition as a kid: A fireman
• Favourite food.: Lasagna
• Spirit animal: A giraffe
• What's on TV (when the footy isn't on): ABC Kids with the kids!

Biography

Introduced to rugby league by his two older brothers and friends from school, David Shillington played junior league for a number of Brisbane league clubs from 1989 to 1999, making waves from a young age within the sport.

"I am still friends with the boys I played with in Under 7s today," said David.

Debuting with the Sydney Roosters in 2005, David enjoyed a successful 12-year-career with three clubs before retiring at the end of the 2016 season with the Gold Coast Titans.

Throughout his career, David represented Queensland in eight maroon-dominant State of Origin games and 14 International Tests for Australia.

Having always enjoyed giving back to the community, David became a NRL Ambassador in 2017 and in 2018 became a NRL Community Program Deliverer, pledging to support the various community programs and broader game.

"There are many wonderful things the NRL do in the community that makes a real difference and drives positive social change. I'm hoping to be able to contribute to that and make a difference," said David.

"I'm very passionate about the NRL Voice Against Violence and State of Mind programs, and the opportunity that NRL has to make a positive impact on society."

In addition to being a NRL Community Program Deliverer, David is a White Ribbon Ambassador and is currently working on developing wellness workshops for schools and retired athletes.

David lives in Brisbane with his wife and two kids, three-year-old Eve and two-year-old Ted, who may just dominate the field in a couple of years.

"Ted is growing big fast and starting to look like a front rower," David said.