True Blue Tyrone Peachey and former Indigenous All Stars representative Joel Thompson have returned to their roots this week to give back to the communities that helped shape them.
As part of the Outback Rugby League (ORL) Community Engagement events, the pair have spent four days immersed in towns across the region – including Menindee, Wilcannia and Broken Hill – in the lead-up to this Sunday’s ORL Pre-Season Knockout.
Kicking off on Wednesday 22 April, Peachey and Thompson have been connecting with locals, delivering training sessions, sharing their journeys, and spending time at community wellbeing barbeques that quickly became the heartbeat of each stop.
In Menindee, around 30-40 people gathered for a community dinner, with an overwhelming majority of juniors eager to learn and be inspired. Wilcannia followed suit, with 15-20 young players turning out to take part in skills sessions and meet some of their heroes. Tonight, they will feature in a Q&A session in Broken Hill following their day visit.
Peachey’s connection to the region runs deep. His father, Martin Peachey, is a respected Rugby League figure in the Dubbo and Wellington areas and also played in Broken Hill, strengthening the family’s ties to the far west. Thompson’s own family links to Wilcannia made the visit equally personal.
“Footy means so much to these kids, you can see it in their faces how much they love it,” Tyrone Peachey told ABC Broken Hill.
“Growing up in Wellington, I couldn’t imagine not being able to play Rugby League. The kids of the outback deserve that opportunity as well.”
The visit also carries a long-term purpose. Sunday’s ORL Pre-Season Knockout will double as a registration day, with Peachey and Thompson expected to lend a hand at the sign-up tent to encourage more juniors to get involved in Outback Rugby League.
They’ll also remain part of the action on game day, running water, offering tips, and supporting players from the sidelines.
