Andrew Peach is still making an impact in the world of education following his recent career change to the NRL.
After a highly-acclaimed transformation of Marsden State High School as its executive principal, Mr Peach is now responsible for driving the growth of rugby league in schools across the nation.
“The role basically looks after Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, trying to help schools to participate in rugby league, but they’re looking for ways to assist the NRL and departments of education to increase physical activity and rugby league in schools,” he said.
Mr Peach couldn’t say no when approached about the exciting new position, which marries the two elements he values most.
“This job, if anything, is probably just flipped the balance the other way– as principal, it’s probably more school-focused and a little bit of football and at this point it’s really more football-focussed with a little bit of school,” he said.
“It’s enabled me to still stay engaged in the two areas that I’m really passionate about, so it’s a great opportunity and too good to knock back.”
Mr Peach’s love for the sport blossomed with his family when growing up in Far North Queensland, and while he remembers himself as being “not much of a player,” his enthusiasm has never waned throughout his teaching career.
“For both parents and grandparents– and I think the whole family were rugby league people,” he said.
“I always grew up with the sport and then I played a bit as a youngster and had a good time.
“As a first year teacher in Roma, basically, when I arrived in town, I took a school rugby league team and that was a great start for me as a teacher as far as being connected to the community.”
Since then, Mr Peach has travelled to England as the Australian schoolboys’ manager, was the chair of the Queensland School Sport Rugby League and the Queensland manager for School Teams for three years running.
Mr Peach was also named national Principal of the Year during his time at Marsden SHS. The country’s largest school with no shortage of local rugby legends among its alumni – Cameron Smith, Israel Folau, Antonio Winterstein, Ricky Leutele, Caleb Timu, Brenko Lee, Esikeli Tonga and Chris Sandow.
“Rugby league aligns with a lot of my values around public education in that it’s a sport that provides an opportunity for everyone,” Mr Peach said.
“It’s a sport that does respect everyone, no matter what your culture is, what your background is, what your skill level is, there’s a place for everyone in the game.
“There’s definitely opportunities for girls and it’s a really important space because it’s also a great chance for young girls in primary school and secondary to be doing something they love, and being physically fit and active.
“The role that sport can play in connecting us, I think, is sometimes undervalued.”
