The impact of the All Stars game’s success started to sink in for Preston Campbell when David Beckham offered to shake his hand at a gala London function.
But it was only after Francois Pienaar had regaled him with a stirring account of South Africa’s 1995 World Cup heroics that same night did Campbell grasp the All Stars game’s full potential.
A less star struck Campbell was in Brisbane on Thursday when the Australian Rugby League Commission confirmed his All Stars game concept would relocate to Suncorp Stadium on February 9.
What had begun as an idea Campbell discussed with ex-Titans boss Michael Searle just five years ago was now so successful it had outgrown its former home Skilled Park.
However, Campbell got an inkling the concept had taken off three weeks ago when it had helped him enter the same room as not only Beckham and Pienaar but also the likes of Muhammad Ali and ex-Olympic sprint champion Michael Johnson.
The galaxy of stars had assembled in London for the Beyond Sport Federation Awards which supports the use of sport to create positive social change around the world.
But it was the quietly spoken Campbell who quickly stole the limelight.
The All Stars game was one of the projects that had helped the ARLC take out Governing Body of the Year – and as an ambassador Campbell took centre stage to accept the award, much to his amazement.
“I shook hands with David Beckham and Michael Johnson, Muhammed Ali was there – just to be in the same room with them and listening to their experiences was an honour,” Campbell said on Thursday.
“I didn’t know much about the (rugby) World Cup story but the way Pienaar said it just made so much sense to me.
“What the World Cup win did and why it meant so much to them, it is similar to this.
“It just goes to show how much sport can change the way people think.”
Campbell was humbled by the All Stars game’s success which had helped provide new levels of much needed funding for indigenous community programs across the country.
But after listening to Pienaar, Campbell was dreaming much bigger.
“The All Stars is about the whole community being as one, about reconciliation,” he said.
“NRL players have the power of influence. And the power of influence can change the way Australia is, the way the world is.
“Being over (in London) showed me just how much power sport has.
“If we all come together it is amazing what we can do.”
Laurie Daley will return as Indigenous All Stars coach while Wayne Bennett will again take up the NRL team’s reins.
Melbourne skipper Cameron Smith is NRL All Stars captain while Brisbane’s Sam Thaiday will lead the Indigenous outfit for the fourth annual clash.
Each team will boast 20 players with 16 selected by a fan vote starting in October after the NRL grand final.