The 300 club: NRL star, former Dalby Devil player hits major milestone

NRL star and former Dalby Devils player Andrew McCullough has revealed the impact being raised in Dalby had on his footy career, and his feelings on his hometown today, as he marks an incredible 300 games in the NRL.

North Queensland Cowboys against St George Illawarra at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Dragons Ben Hunt scores try and celebrates with Andrew McCullough. Picture: Evan Morgan

From playing at the Dalby Devils to St Illawarra Dragons, and earning a coveted spot on the Queensland State of Origin team, Andrew McCullough has enjoyed incredible career success.

Now he has thanked his junior footy mates in Dalby for playing a part.

The former Broncos player said youngsters in regional areas often compared their opportunities to those offered in bigger communities.

“Sometimes in the country areas you feel you’re a bit behind kids that are in the city but if you chase your dreams, work hard and enjoy what you do things can happen,” McCullough said.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 13: Andrew McCullough of the Dragons passes during the round 22 NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Penrith Panthers at Suncorp Stadium, on August 13, 2021, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

The NRL star, who lived in Dalby until Year 11, said his formative years with the Dalby Devils built the foundations of his talent.

McCullough added that his childhood mates attended his 300th game, and his parents surprised him the evening before it when they made the trip from Dalby to Wollongong.

“I’m so grateful for that, that’s something I’ll cherish and I got that from playing junior football for the Dalby Devils,” he said.

“If you have your heart in the right place you have no one stopping you, you’ve got great resources out in Dalby.

“It’s a great little town, there’s no way you should ever doubt yourself and not pursue your dreams,” he said.

North Queensland Cowboys against St George Illawarra at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Dragons Ben Hunt scores try and celebrates with Andrew McCullough. Picture: Evan Morgan

The newest 300 club member and dad of one said he was happy in his professional and personal life, and was using this time to soak up his incredible achievement.

“I’ve got a beautiful little family here in Cronulla and I’m enjoying playing, I have next year as well and then we’ll see what happens, I’m just enjoying my moment,” he said.

McCullough played his 300th game Thursday, June 16 against the South Sydney Rabbitohs. The Dragons took home the win at 32 – 12.