Preston Campbell

The cousin of prolific try-scorer Nathan Blacklock, Preston Campbell had an extraordinary 2001 season. Signed by the G’Coast in the club’s last season in the NRL, the little halfback from Tingha was recruited by Cronulla in 1999. A knee injury in 2000 limited his first grade appearances until an injury to international winger Mat Rogers saw him cement a first grade place on the flank. When Campbell moved to halfback, the Sharks attack went into overdrive – his unpredictable step and uncanny ability to find the narrowest routes to the try-line saw him score 17 tries and earn an updated contract. Named the Provan-Summons Medal winner as Best and Fairest Player of 2001, he was unlucky not to have toured with the Kangaroos. However, the signing of former Test half Brett Kimmorley seemed to flatten the youngster’s confidence in 2002 and it was erroneously reported that he was joining Souths. Assured by new coach Chris Anderson that he had an important role to play in the club’s premiership aspirations, he started the season at hooker before being shifted to the wing and finally the interchange bench. In 2003 he linked with former Sharks coach John Lang at Penrith and had a stellar season. Playing five-eighth, he proved the perfect foil for chief playmaker Craig Gower. Campbell was often vulnerable in the defensive line because of his size but he was one of the first players recruited by the G’Coast