Bulldogs winger Sam Perrett eager for annual reunion with Campbelltown NRL stars

SAM Perrett is looking forward to catching up with a list of football stars who call Campbelltown home.

REGARDLESS of where Canterbury Bulldogs finish in the upcoming finals series, Sam Perrett is looking forward to catching up with a list of football stars who call Campbelltown home.

After the conclusion of each NRL season, a group of old friends including Jarryd Hayne, Krisnan Inu, Tim Lafai, the Paea brothers and even Rugby union star Israel Folau return to their old stomping ground of Campbelltown for a "family dinner".

The Canterbury winger said the catch-up had become tradition.

"Once a year all the boys who grew up around Campbelltown come back and pick a restaurant like Ribs and Rumps or Sizzler to have a nice meal," Perrett said.

"They reminisce about the old days and it's good for everyone to remember where they came from.

"We've all got that common ground and share a good bond."

The father-of-three moved to Campbelltown in 2008 and said he loved the "family environment".

"I've been here for five years and my wife and kids love it. And when my family is happy, I'm happy because they're my rock, my everything," he said.

"My kids enjoy having a lot more space to run around and it's a laid back and beautiful area."

PICTURE: KRISTI MILLER.

Perrett said the legendary Paea brothers, who were raised in Campbelltown and a product of fruitful junior club the Minto Cobras, were integral in his decision to move.

"Lelea, Lopini, Mickey and Eddie are great friends of mine and were part of the reason we moved out here," he said.

"It was funny because a fair few of us were playing for the Roosters so there was a car full of me, Lopini, Mickey, Tevita Folau and Albert Hopoate coming from Campbelltown."

The 28-year-old has thrived since joining the Bulldogs from Sydney Roosters in 2012 and has scored 17 tries this season.

Perrett attributed his form to a change of environment and clear direction from coach Des Hasler.

"I've learned from all my coaches but Des is very unique," he said with a laugh.

"He's very intense and detailed, but he's got such a clear role for every player and it makes the job easier.

"Scoring the tries is just me finishing off a lot of the hard work of the boys and it's a credit to the whole team."