Preston Campbell facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Preston Campbell
OAM

Campbell playing in 2008
Personal information
Full name	Thomas Leon Preston Campbell
Born	(1977-06-07) 7 June 1977 (age 48) Inverell, New South Wales, Australia
Playing information
Height	167 cm (5 ft 6 in)
Weight	73 kg (11 st 7 lb)
Position	Five-eighth, Fullback, Halfback, Wing
Club Years Team Pld T G FG P 1998 Gold Coast Chargers 14 4 0 0 16 1999–02 Cronulla Sharks 54 24 24 0 144 2003–06 Penrith Panthers 96 43 220 1 613 2007–11 Gold Coast Titans 103 15 35 0 130 Total 267 86 279 1 903 Representative Years Team Pld T G FG P 2005–07 NSW Country 3 0 0 0 0 2008 Dreamtime Team 1 0 0 0 0 2010 Indigenous All Stars 1 0 0 0 0
Relatives	Jayden Campbell (son) Nathan Blacklock (cousin) Greg Inglis (cousin)

Preston Campbell, born on June 7, 1977, is a famous Australian former professional rugby league player. He played as a five-eighth or fullback in the National Rugby League (NRL). Preston played for several teams, including the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, the Penrith Panthers, and the Gold Coast Titans. He even won the 2003 NRL premiership with the Penrith Panthers. He also represented teams like New South Wales Country and the Indigenous All Stars.

Preston Campbell's Rugby League Journey

Starting His Career

Preston Campbell was born in Inverell, New South Wales. He began his rugby league journey with the Inverell Hawks junior club. In 1998, he made his first appearance in the NRL. He played as a fullback for the Gold Coast Chargers. Sadly, the Chargers team was closed down at the end of that season.

Time with the Cronulla Sharks

After the Chargers, Preston joined the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in 1999. For his first two years, he mostly played in the reserve grade team. He would sometimes fill in for injured players in the main team.

In 2001, Preston really showed his amazing skills. He stepped in as a fullback when David Peachey was injured. His incredible speed and quick side-steps, along with his small size and humble nature, made him a fan favorite.

Many thought he would go back to the lower grades. But coach John Lang saw his talent. Preston was too good to be in reserve grade. When David Peachey returned, Preston was no longer needed at fullback. The team also needed a good halfback. John Lang decided to move Preston to the halfback position.

Preston, along with David Peachey and Adam Dykes, formed a powerful team. They helped Cronulla play very well in the 2001 finals. They even beat the strong Newcastle Knights team in one memorable game.

Winning the Dally M Award

At the end of 2001, Preston Campbell won the prestigious Dally M Player of the Year award. He beat Andrew Johns, a famous captain from the Newcastle Knights, by just one point. This made him the third Cronulla player to win this important award.

In 2002, a new coach, Chris Anderson, and a new halfback, Brett Kimmorley, joined the team. Preston was not chosen for his favorite halfback role. Instead, he was moved to a new position, hooker. After a few difficult games, he was moved back to reserve grade. Preston wanted to play in his preferred position. He asked to leave Cronulla, and his request was granted in August 2002.

Playing for the Penrith Panthers

On August 7, 2002, it was announced that Preston Campbell would join the Penrith Panthers. His old coach, John Lang, was leading the Panthers. Preston signed a three-year contract. He was excited to play under John Lang again.

In his first season with the Penrith Panthers in 2003, Preston returned to his familiar roles. He played as a halfback or five-eighth. He was a huge help to the team. He played every minute of every match that entire season.

Preston played five-eighth in the team that won the 2003 NRL grand final. He also kicked two goals in that game. As the 2003 NRL champions, the Panthers traveled to England. They played against the Super League VIII champions, the Bradford Bulls, in the 2004 World Club Challenge. Preston played five-eighth in this game. The Panthers lost 22–4.

Joining the Gold Coast Titans

In 2005, Preston Campbell became the very first player to sign with the new NRL team, the Gold Coast Titans. He still had two seasons left with the Panthers. Preston signed a three-year contract that started in 2007. Because other players like Chris Walker were injured, Preston played a lot of the 2007 season as a fullback.

Preston Campbell training with the Aboriginal Dreamtime Team in 2008.

Preston played very well during the 2007 season. He started the 2008 season in great form too. He extended his contract with the Titans. For his consistent and inspiring performances, he was named the 2008 Gold Coast Titans Player of the Year. In 2009, he played halfback, five-eighth, and fullback. This was because players like Scott Prince and Mat Rogers were injured.

Preston Campbell retired from rugby league at the end of the 2011 season. In 2019, he was honored as the first life member of the Titans club.

Awards and Recognition

In November 2008, Preston Campbell received the Ken Stephen Medal from the NRL. This award is given for amazing service to the game, both on and off the field. He was recognized for his hard work with Indigenous communities.

In 2023, Preston Campbell was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). This honor was given for his important contributions to rugby league.

Preston's Family Life

Preston Campbell has famous relatives in rugby league. His cousins are Nathan Blacklock and Greg Inglis. His son, Jayden Campbell, also plays rugby league as a fullback for the Gold Coast Titans.