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http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22419520-5001023,00.html
DAVID Peachey has revealed his secret plan to save rugby league's most tortured souls - North Sydney Bears supporters.
Living in Premier League exile since July, Peachey will this afternoon run on to Leichhardt Oval for what may be his last ever game.
But rather than worry about laps of honour and teary farewells, the veteran fullback says his real motivation is repaying "the game's greatest diehard fans".
"There's this one bloke in particular who turns up to every game we play," Peachey told The Saturday Daily Telegraph last night. "He sets up his gear, his flags and he cheers us every week no matter the score.
"And there are others too. People who've been supporting the Bears their entire lives.
"I mean, these are people who haven't cheered a premiership in decades. Haven't even had a team in the NRL that they can go and watch.
"As players we can switch between clubs. We can chop and change. But supporters - the real diehards - mate, they stick solid until that day they die."
And no one has wanted to die more in recent years than poor old Bears fans - no top grade premiership since 1922, no top grade team since 1999 and club legend Greg Florimo comprising the staff of one.
"But before games 'Flo' is always telling us these great old school stories," Peachey added. "And the boys really love it.
"Because he's reminding these younger guys here now about the traditions of this foundation club. Some of the legends who have passed through and who have worn the colours.
"And even on the streets around North Sydney Oval, people have been coming up and patting us on the back. Telling us how we're representing their club. That's what it's about."
Norths will field a strong side for the match against Penrith with NRL players Joe Williams, Yileen Gordon, Beau Champion, Daniel Irvine, Scott Geddes and Reece Simmonds all in the starting team.
"And, mate," Peachey added.
"I don't care who you are, playing finals footy at any level is always a buzz. I've been having an absolute blast."
Peachey was also on hand at Erskineville Oval yesterday to help announce a $2 million initiative between the Federal Government and his club's Souths Cares program.
Working in conjunction with the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, the Rabbitohs hope to encourage 1000 indigenous Australians into the workforce.
Norths v Penrith: 4pm at Leichhardt Oval today.
DAVID Peachey has revealed his secret plan to save rugby league's most tortured souls - North Sydney Bears supporters.
Living in Premier League exile since July, Peachey will this afternoon run on to Leichhardt Oval for what may be his last ever game.
But rather than worry about laps of honour and teary farewells, the veteran fullback says his real motivation is repaying "the game's greatest diehard fans".
"There's this one bloke in particular who turns up to every game we play," Peachey told The Saturday Daily Telegraph last night. "He sets up his gear, his flags and he cheers us every week no matter the score.
"And there are others too. People who've been supporting the Bears their entire lives.
"I mean, these are people who haven't cheered a premiership in decades. Haven't even had a team in the NRL that they can go and watch.
"As players we can switch between clubs. We can chop and change. But supporters - the real diehards - mate, they stick solid until that day they die."
And no one has wanted to die more in recent years than poor old Bears fans - no top grade premiership since 1922, no top grade team since 1999 and club legend Greg Florimo comprising the staff of one.
"But before games 'Flo' is always telling us these great old school stories," Peachey added. "And the boys really love it.
"Because he's reminding these younger guys here now about the traditions of this foundation club. Some of the legends who have passed through and who have worn the colours.
"And even on the streets around North Sydney Oval, people have been coming up and patting us on the back. Telling us how we're representing their club. That's what it's about."
Norths will field a strong side for the match against Penrith with NRL players Joe Williams, Yileen Gordon, Beau Champion, Daniel Irvine, Scott Geddes and Reece Simmonds all in the starting team.
"And, mate," Peachey added.
"I don't care who you are, playing finals footy at any level is always a buzz. I've been having an absolute blast."
Peachey was also on hand at Erskineville Oval yesterday to help announce a $2 million initiative between the Federal Government and his club's Souths Cares program.
Working in conjunction with the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, the Rabbitohs hope to encourage 1000 indigenous Australians into the workforce.
Norths v Penrith: 4pm at Leichhardt Oval today.
