Terry Campese out to break Queanbeyan Blues’ 45-year Clayton Cup title drought
Terry Campese wasn’t going to play rugby league this season but after leading Queanbeyan Blues to victory in the Canberra competition, the Raiders legend has set his sights on one of the most prestigious Cups in rugby league.
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Terry Campese wasn’t going to play rugby league this season — now his Queanbeyan Blues are in contention to win their first Clayton Cup title in 45 years.
Campese had planned to hang up the boots in 2019 to focus on coaching the Blues in the Canberra competition.
At 35, he knows his ageing body isn’t slick as it was during his 11-year NRL career with Canberra.
It would be easy for the ex-Raiders playmaker to be selfish and put himself first, but with his hometown Blues struggling for numbers he refused to retire.
Campese played a number of games this season, including this month’s 43-14 grand final triumph over the Goulburn Workers Bulldogs.
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He kicked five goals in the victory that has placed Queanbeyan in the mix to claim the prestigious Clayton Cup, which has been awarded to the best team each year in the Country Rugby League since 1937.
The Blues last won the Cup in 1974 when the club was known as United.
Queanbeyan will have to beat strong clubs like Ballina and North Tamworth to take home the Clayton Cup but Campese is just grateful to be in the running.
“To be even in the conversation to win the Cup is a great honour and achievement for the club,” Campese told Bush Beat.
“I didn’t really know about the Clayton Cup until halfway through my first year at the club when we were undefeated and someone mentioned it.
“It is a prestigious award and there are a lot of great teams in contention to win it.”
Campese has now won two premierships in the past three years with Queanbeyan.
He couldn’t be prouder of his young team’s win over a potent Goulburn side, especially given their horrid run with injuries last season.
Campese proved he has the ability to play on again in 2020 but he remains undecided about his playing future.
“It is early days,” he said.
“Last year I smashed the gym and lost a bit of weight, so I felt good and that is why I decided to play.
“But I’ve already put on a fair bit of weight since the end of the season.
“I haven’t really had time to sit down and think about it.”
In fairness, Campese has been a busy man.
Only three days after guiding Queanbeyan to the Canberra title, he flew out to Papua New Guinea to walk in the Kokoda Trek.
With the support of the Monaro Police, Campese used his foundation as a platform to take five disenfranchised kids to the trek for a team and character building exercise.
“The kids have been thanking us every day for opening their eyes,” he said.
“None of them had passports, so it was a real experience for them.”
Campese is also revelling in the Raiders’ charge to their first grand final in 25 years.
He lapped up the emotion at GIO Stadium on Friday night while working for Croc Media as a sideline eye.
“It was awesome to see the jubilation on everyone’s face,” he said.
“It is great for the club.
“I wish I was playing in the grand final. I’m still a mad Raiders fan, so I’m so happy for the lads.”
Campese is attending the decider as a guest of the NRL.
“I won the Ken Stephens Medal in 2013 so I’ve been invited to speak on grand final day,” he said.
“Then I’ll be in my chair cheering on with all the other mad green fans.”
2019 CLAYTON CUP CONTENDERS:
-Ballina Seagulls
-North Tamworth Bears
-Wyong Roos (pending as they will play in a Grand Final)
-Queanbeyan Blues
Originally published as Terry Campese out to break Queanbeyan Blues’ 45-year Clayton Cup title drought
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