Preston Campbell /

Fast facts

• Born in Inverell and raised close by in Tingha, NSW
• Played 267 NRL games, scoring 84 tries throughout an incredible 14-year career
• Played for the Gold Coast Chargers (1998), Cronulla Sharks (1999-2002), Penrith Panthers (2003-2006) and Gold Coast Titans (2007-2011)
• Played junior league for the Inverell Hawks from 1994-1996
• Won the 2003 Telstra Premiership with the Penrith Panthers
• Awarded a Dally M Award in 2001 and Ken Stephen Medal in 2008
• Retired from professional rugby league in 2011
• NRL Community Program Deliverer since 2018

Fun facts

• Favourite NRL team: South Sydney Rabbitohs
• Career ambition as a kid: To become a school teacher or police officer
• Favourite food: Curried sausages
• Spirit animal: Black Cockatoo
• What's on TV (when the footy isn't on): Big Bang Theory

Biography

After years of watching the Tingha Tigers play from sidelines, Preston started playing junior league for the Inverell Hawks in his early teens where he quickly developed a passion and talent for the game.

After only a few short junior league seasons, Preston debuted with the Gold Coast Chargers in 1998, propelling his 14-year professional football career.

Playing across four successful sides, Gold Coast Charges, Cronulla Sharks, Penrith Panthers and Gold Coast Titans, Preston was part of the Panther's winning Telstra Premiership side in 2003, and throughout his career scored an impressive 84 tries in 267 games.

After retiring in 2011, Preston now focuses on his community work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, creating the Preston Campbell Foundation and serving as an ambassador for Deadly Choices. Preston is also a partner of the Titans Community team.

"I believe in supporting our grassroots and get inspired by working with others who contribute so much towards our game. I want to give back to the game which has given me so much," said Preston.

"I've seen firsthand the difference rugby league can make to people's lives, developing champions no matter where they come from. To me, rugby league is a vehicle for change and to inspire, whether you play or support the game."

Today, Preston lives in the Gold Coast with his wife and three kids. He is a director of the Preston Campbell Foundation and sports apparel company, Primal Sport.