Dally M Medal winner Preston Campbell admits he had not been to a Titans game for four years, but his return was emotional ... and worthwhile.
‘Presto’, the man behind the Indigenous All Stars concept, was given the honour of handing each player his NRL Indigenous Round jersey before the clash with Sydney Roosters on Monday night.
The players and coaches said he delivered one of the most poignant and effective pre-match addresses they had witnessed, delivered typically from the heart of the little man who was an inaugural Titan and played in the club’s first five seasons.
He played 103 of his 267 first grade games in his five seasons as a Titan, after beginning his career on the Gold Coast with the Chargers.
He describes his night back at Cbus Super Stadium, where he met up with former teammates and saw the Titans – with seven Indigenous players proudly wear the wear the specially designed jersey and hand-painted boots - get back on the winning list.
Presto took time out to talk to Titans TV about the Preston Campbell Foundation and how he found the night.
"It was a great night on two fronts, the boys had a great day, I got to present their jerseys before the game which was very special for me, and they put in a really good performance and I got to meet up with some old teammates there," he said.
"Being Aboriginal myself, I know how important a round like that this is. It recognises the representation and involvement Indigenous people have in the game and it's great that the NRL can have something like that.
"Given there are so many Indigenous boys in the Titans team it was very appropriate, and to have it at home is very special as well, where the All Stars started. There are so many great memories over here, not just in rugby league but being able to work across the road from the stadium too."
To bid for the jerseys and boots on our online auction, which finishes on Saturday night, CLICK HERE
Preston was asked if he was bidding for a jersey or boots, whose would he go for. He had no reservation in providing an answer .. in fact had bid for his jersey! Find out who.
