The award is named in honour of Preston Campbell, the former Paul Broughton Medal and Dally M Medal winner who played 103 games for the Titans from 2007-11 and was regarded as a model professional and club man with his humble efforts for the Titans.
It is given to the player who shows the greatest characteristics of the ultimate teammate or clubman. It is recognition of his attitude and effort on the playing field, training paddock and club events. The winner depicts what it truly means to be a Titan, someone who gives full effort in everything he does and is a player respected by his teammates and opponents for not what he says, but what he does.
Copley was also the Titans nominee for the NRL’s Ken Stephen’s Medal in 2020, which also recognises the work done by players within the community.
Copley has been the perfect role model for younger Titans players, juggling the demands of completing a Bachelor of Law at QUT, his NRL commitments, active RLPA membership and ambassador roles for the NRL State of Mind and Voice Against Violence programs along with becoming a proud father in 2019.
Jen Cross, the Titans Player Wellbeing and Education Manager, says Dale is a leader on and off the field.
“Dale shows leadership by example, by his actions,” Cross said.
“Dale is a member of our NRL Education and Wellbeing Committee, so he invests time into the programs that we deliver to our players.
“He mentors our young players and makes sure they’re ok on and off the field.
“He goes above and beyond and really is a quiet achiever.”
His team-mate, AJ Brimson, says often the work Dale does goes un-noticed.
“He is a State of Mind ambassador, Voice Against Violence ambassador, he got the NRL academic player of the year award,” Brimson said.
“He definitely does it all quietly and doesn’t do it for the accolades
“He definitely deserves this nomination
“I’m really proud of him.”
Copley says he wants to help the next generation of NRL players.
“I’m no longer afraid as a player to have a voice.
“I feel a bit of an obligation to the younger boys to be a guiding hand in their careers.”
He might be a quiet achiever, but the work he has done within the community deserves noise as Dale has achieved plenty within the community and is a worthy nominee for this year’s Ken Stephens Medal.
