Why retiring Tyrone Peachey missed Penrith’s historic four-peat to play in Koori Knockout
Tyrone Peachey says he’s happy with how his career ended and did not need a big send off on grand final day, after it was revealed the 209-game NRL veteran missed the decider to represent Nanima Common Connection in the Koori Knockout.
Peachey, who earned a Panthers premiership ring as the team’s 18th man during last year’s decider, played two games for the NRL premiers this season and was skipper of the NSW Cup team who made it to the finals.
The Panthers gave Peachey their blessing to participate in the Koori Knockout and the 33-year-old said he still felt a part of the record feat even though he did not witness it in person.
“The game has done so much for me, I don’t really need that send-off,” he told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“I’m happy with how my career went, really happy with how I got to finish at the club I love. I was really satisfied with my career, the club has been nothing but great for me.
“I’ve been there for so long and made my name at the club. I get along with everyone there, they are all such legends. I knew they were going to get the job done.”
Peachey was watching the match with his cousins and other family members who were also part Nanima Common Connection.
“Whenever I get the opportunity to play for Nanima and put that jersey on with my brothers and cousins and family, I try to take that,” Peachey added.
“My team is called Nanima Common Connection, it’s a little mission just outside of Wellington where I went to preschool.
“All the lads I played with, they are mostly from that area. We all went to school together, it’s pretty special to me. They have just always been there for me, any opportunity I get to play with them, I’ll take it. I don’t think people outside the Knockout see what it means to us, as an Aboriginal man.
“If I wasn’t playing NRL, I’d still be playing A-grade somewhere or doing the exact same thing. I’m just fortunate I got to play NRL for as long as I did.”
Peachey has retired from the game to focus on his business, Nanima Care, a shuttle bus fleet that employs Indigenous workers from the Penrith region.
Peachey led NCC to the grand final, where he scored two tries, in a 46-12 loss to champions Walgett Aboriginal Connection.
