Craig Gower - Rugby League Career

Rugby League Career

Gower's junior club was the Colyton-Mt Druitt Colts. He made his representative debut in his second season at the top grade when still aged only eighteen. He was selected in the Australian Super League side for the ANZAC Test against New Zealand in 1997. He appeared in both Super League Tests against New Zealand and made the end of year Super League tour to Great Britain, playing in all three Tests in England at halfback.

Following the re-unification of Australian rugby league, Gower played for Australia in 1999. He was selected for the ANZAC Test that year but was dismissed following a disciplinary incident. However he was back in the side by year's end for his first ARL Test in the Tri-Series in New Zealand. He debuted for New South Wales in the 2001 State of Origin series, and made five appearances until 2006.

Gower was the captain of the Panthers between 2002 and 2005, the highlight of which was the victory over the Sydney Roosters in the 2003 NRL grand final. After that he was selected to go on the 2003 Kangaroo tour.

Gower was named Australia's captain for the Test match against France on the 2005 Tri-Nations tour. Gower is the second Penrith Panthers player to captain his country, after Brad Fittler in 1995.

In 2006 Gower married Panthers cheerleader Amanda Flynn.

Gower ended the 2007 regular season with 238 career matches for the Penrith Panthers, four games short of the club record of 242 held by Steve Carter. On 22 February 2007, Gower was appointed co-captain for 2007 along with fellow players Tony Puletua and Luke Priddis.

He was a regular selection for Australia between 1999 and 2008, making eighteen test appearances. His later appearances were at half-back although earlier in his career he played at hooker.