David Peachey

Australia international rugby league footballer

David Peachey (born 21 April 1974) is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s. An Australian international and New South Wales representative , he played the majority of his club football in the National Rugby League for the Cronulla Sutherland Sharks. During his career, Peachey also played for the South Sydney Rabbitohs

Peachey was born in Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia. Peachey began playing league rugby for his local junior club in Dubbo, the Dubbo Macquarie Raiders and South Dubbo High. After several seasons in the country with Dubbo he signed with the Cronulla Sharks.

Peachey's career with Cronulla Sutherland began in the reserve squad but he quickly made his way into the first grade side after many dazzling performances in the lower grades. He made his first grade début on 12 March 1994 in Round 1 against the Canberra Raiders at Toyota Park. In 2003, Peachey was named in the top ten Cronulla Sutherland Sharks Legends, as nominated by the fans and picked by a panel of rugby league experts. For several months in 2005 his future seemed uncertain until he announced on The NRL Footy Show that the club would no longer be retaining his services after twelve years of loyalty. After his last match for Cronulla, a loss to Souths, played in wet conditions at night, Peachey left the formal farewell celebrations early to meet with his fans who were waiting in the rain outside the dressing rooms. These fans included Souths fans determined to show their respect. Peachey stayed signing autographs and agreed to have his photo taken until the very last fan of either club had left.

After hearing the Cronulla board's decision not to retain his services after the 2005 season, Peachey began to negotiate with several clubs for the start of the 2006 season. Many speculated within the media where he would eventually end up; however it quickly became certain that he would move overseas to continue his career as he announced that he did not want play against his old club anytime in the future. Peachey was then signed as a utility back by the Super League club, the Widnes Vikings. However, after their relegation from the Super League the club claimed it would not be able to afford his services. The club and fans, still desperate to acquire the services of the Australian, organised several fundraiser events which allowed Peachey to join the club for the beginning of the new season. However, in sweeping changes made by new club chairman Stephen Vaughan, Peachey had his contract terminated by the Widnes Vikings on Thursday 11 May 2006.

In late May, 2006, the South Sydney Rabbitohs announced the signing of Peachey to a contract for the remainder of the 2006 season, later extended to 2007. In his second match for the club, he led the Rabbitohs, who were winless from the first thirteen rounds of the season, to a historic 34–14 victory over the second placed Brisbane Broncos, who were missing players to Origin duties. It was the club's first win over the Broncos since 1989. The first two rounds of the NRL season in 2007, saw a rejuvenated Peachey playing with vigour and a seemingly contagious attitude that rubs off on both his fellow players and the fans. His steadying influence and the ability to create something out of nothing, make "the Peach" a handful for any opposition. Despite having turned 33 before the season commenced, he has indicated that he is keen to have one more season with Souths. With the arrival of Craig Wing at Souths, it was announced on 5 July 2007 that Peachey would retire from the NRL at the end of the season,

The David Peachey Foundation was founded to support indigenous kids from rural and remote areas that excel or show potential in rugby league. The foundation provides small grants and support mechanisms for Indigenous children who participate in sport representing their state and or country. This support usually comes from financial aid to the children 25

Along with Frano Botica Peachey was heavily involved in the Cronulla Sharks playing NRL matches in Taupō. In the build up to the 2011 match he spent six months in Taupō, the birthplace of his wife. While he was there he played club rugby league for the Taupo Phoenix in the Bay of Plenty Rugby League competition and trialled for the King Country Rugby Football Union side.