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Craig Gower

Craig Gower (born 29 April 1978) is an Italian-Australian former professional dual-code footballer who played as a halfback and in and as a fly-half and centre in . Best known for his time with the in the (NRL), Gower captained the club to the 2003 NRL Premiership and represented in 18 Test matches between 1997 and 2005, including two ANZAC Tests, the 2003 Ashes series, two Tri-Nations tournaments, and the 2000 . Of Italian heritage through his grandparents, he later switched codes to , playing for French Top 14 club from 2008 to 2011 and earning 14 caps for between 2009 and 2011, including appearances in the . He returned to in 2012 with the London Broncos in before finishing his career with the in 2013. Gower began his professional rugby league career with the Penrith Panthers in 1996 at age 18, debuting as a promising halfback likened to Brad Fittler, and quickly established himself as a key playmaker. Over 11 seasons with Penrith, he made 238 appearances, scored 56 tries, and transitioned to hooker during the Super League era to accommodate veteran Greg Alexander, earning the Dally M Hooker of the Year award in 2000. He represented New South Wales in six State of Origin matches across five series from 1999 to 2005 and was a City vs Country selector in four games (2002, 2003, 2005, 2007). In 2003, Gower led Penrith to their first premiership in 22 years, though a players' boycott controversially denied him the official Dally M Medal despite leading the voting. After leaving Penrith in 2007, Gower pursued opportunities abroad, signing with where he played 70 matches and contributed to the club's promotion efforts in the Top 14. His international debut for came in 2009 against , marking a notable code-switch for the dual international, and he featured in 14 Tests overall, scoring 11 points, primarily during European tours and the . Gower's versatility across positions and codes highlighted his adaptability, amassing over 280 professional games and 177 in union across his 17-year career. Post-retirement, he has remained involved in through coaching and media commentary.

Early life

Family background

Craig Gower was born on 29 April 1978 in , . Gower's heritage is Italian-Australian, tracing back through his grandparents; specifically, he qualified for eligibility with the Italy national rugby team due to his Italian-born grandfather. Raised in a family in the Penrith suburb of Colyton, Gower was immersed in a community that fostered strong support for local sports, particularly , from an early age.

Junior career

Gower attended McCarthy Catholic College in , completing his there. During his youth, he played junior for the Colyton Colts club, competing in the Penrith District Junior Rugby League competition. Recognized for his skills as a halfback and , Gower was signed by the as a teenager in the mid-1990s, joining their professional development squads on an initial $5000 contract scouted by club talent identifier .

Penrith Panthers career

Debut and early years

Craig Gower made his NRL debut for the on 15 June 1996, aged 18, during a Round 11 away match against the Gold Coast Chargers at . The Panthers secured a 14-8 victory in the contest, with Gower making his debut from the bench as halfback in a performance that marked the beginning of his rapid rise in first-grade . As a Colyton junior, Gower entered the professional arena with high expectations, having been regarded as one of the club's most promising local talents since . Over his 11 seasons with Penrith from 1996 to 2007, Gower primarily operated as a halfback and , accumulating 238 appearances, 55 tries, 4 goals, and 5 field goals. His early years focused on adapting to the demands of elite competition, where he honed his skills as a creative capable of orchestrating attacks from the base of the . During the era, he transitioned to to accommodate veteran , earning the Dally M Hooker of the Year award in 2000. However, the 1998 season proved challenging, as injuries hampered his consistency and limited his on-field contributions. Despite these setbacks, Gower's development as a versatile and influential figure in the Panthers' backline laid the foundation for his emergence as a cornerstone player. By 2001, Gower's future at Penrith hung in the balance amid stalled negotiations and ongoing uncertainties stemming from off-field behavior. He ultimately re-signed with the club on a new deal that incorporated performance clauses to align his commitments with team expectations. This agreement stabilized his position at the club during a turbulent period, allowing him to focus on his growth as a leader on the field.

Captaincy and 2003 premiership

In 2002, following the departure of long-serving Steve Carter, who had held the club record for most appearances with 243 games, Craig Gower was appointed of the . This leadership role marked a significant step in Gower's maturation as a halfback, where he honed his playmaking and kicking abilities to guide the team through a challenging season. Under Gower's captaincy, the Panthers staged a remarkable turnaround in , climbing from the bottom of the ladder to claim the NRL minor premiership before defeating the 18-14 in the Grand Final at Accor Stadium. As the team's key orchestrator, Gower contributed through his tactical kicking and distribution, including an attempted in the 73rd minute that, though charged down, helped maintain pressure in a tightly contested remembered for its defensive intensity. His standout performances that year earned him the RLPA Player's Player award, underscoring his pivotal role in Penrith's first premiership since 1991. From 2004 to 2007, Gower continued as a central figure for the Panthers, playing in all seasons despite and off-field challenges that occasionally affected team dynamics. In 2004, he made a strong return from , inspiring a key victory that echoed the previous year's form. His selections for in 2005—his sixth and final series appearance—provided leadership experience but also led to absences that tested the club's depth during mid-season. Gower was stripped of the captaincy in early 2006 due to alcohol-related but was reinstated as one of three co-captains for 2007, reflecting his enduring influence amid fluctuating team results. Gower's tenure at Penrith ended in 2007 after contract negotiations soured, with the club agreeing to release him from the final two years of his deal to pursue opportunities abroad, culminating in 238 career games for the Panthers. Earlier tensions, including a 2005 financial dispute involving a development company tied to his contract and a 2006 rejection of his request for an off-season trial in , highlighted growing friction over his future direction. This departure paved the way for his code switch, though his club leadership had already extended to captaining in 2003, a rare honor for a Penrith player.

Rugby union career

Switch to Bayonne

On 26 June 2007, Craig Gower announced his decision to switch codes from rugby league to rugby union by signing with the French Top 14 club Aviron Bayonnais (Bayonne), despite having two years remaining on his contract with the Penrith Panthers. The Penrith club agreed to release him from the deal, acknowledging his long service since joining as a junior at age 14 and citing the move as beneficial under the circumstances following recent off-field issues. Gower's high-profile status from his Panthers career, where he had captained the team to a premiership, positioned him as a marquee acquisition for Bayonne. The primary motivations for the switch included Gower's desire for a fresh start and new challenge after a series of controversies that had impacted his NRL career, coupled with the attractive financial packages available in French . At age 29, Gower expressed eagerness to immerse himself in the 15-man code, stating his focus was simply on learning and achieving a successful transition without immediate representative ambitions. Gower arrived in France in September 2007 to begin pre-season preparations with , marking the start of his adaptation to rugby union's distinct rules, such as the lineout, ruck, and dynamics that differ significantly from . To facilitate this, he sought guidance from former Wallabies figures like and Scott , who advised on tactical adjustments like handling tighter defenses at the breakdown. Bayonne initially slotted him into the inside centre or fly-half positions, leveraging his playmaking skills from halfback in league while building his familiarity with union's broader positional demands and kicking game.

Time in France and international eligibility

Gower spent four seasons with in the Top 14 from 2007 to 2011, making 70 appearances for the club and scoring 7 tries while accumulating 71 points. His contributions helped the team secure mid-table positions, including 7th place in the 2008–09 season. Playing primarily as a fly-half or inside centre, Gower provided leadership in the backline, organizing attacks and distributing play with his league-honed passing and kicking skills. Transitioning from rugby league presented challenges for Gower, who had limited senior experience in union beyond high school sevens, requiring adjustment to the game's different rhythms, set-piece structures, and larger pitch. Despite these hurdles, he adapted effectively, scoring tries in key matches such as one in the 2008–09 Amlin against and contributing conversions in a dominant 55–6 victory over Olimpic in 2009–10. His tenacity and game management became integral to Bayonne's competitive edge in the backline. Gower's eligibility for stemmed from his Italian grandfather, qualifying him under grandparentage rules despite his extensive background and lack of prior union international experience. This heritage paved the way for his selection in Italy's 30-man squad for the 2009 mid-year tour of and . He went on to earn 14 Test caps for the Azzurri from 2009 to 2010, debuting against . However, his career was cut short by a (torn ) sustained in November 2010 during a Test against , requiring and preventing further appearances in 2011.

Return to rugby league

London Broncos

In 2012, at the age of 33, Craig Gower returned to after four years in by signing a two-year contract with the ahead of their promotion to . This move came after Gower had recovered physically from the demands of his union stint in , enabling him to resume playing the code at a high level. As a veteran halfback, Gower brought extensive experience to the club, which was aiming to establish itself in the top tier following their 2011 victory. Gower was appointed captain for the 2012 season, leading a revamped squad that included nine new signings as the Broncos reverted to their original name from . In his role, he provided tactical guidance and stability to the team's promotion push, drawing on his prior successes in the NRL to mentor younger players and contribute to the club's competitive edge in . He retained the cy into 2013 before briefly standing down in May of that year. Over the 2012–2013 seasons with the Broncos, Gower played 45 games, scoring 7 tries and kicking 27 goals for a total of 82 points. In alone, he featured in 29 matches, contributing 4 tries and all 27 of his goals to help the team finish 12th in . His 2013 campaign included 16 appearances and 3 tries, underscoring his enduring utility as a despite the challenges of adapting to the European competition. In November 2012, Gower extended his contract by one year, committing to the club through 2014.

Newcastle Knights and retirement

In mid-2013, following his release from the London Broncos, Craig Gower signed a short-term contract with the to play out the remainder of the NRL season. He made his debut for the club in Round 14 and went on to feature in six first-grade matches, scoring one try for a total of four points. At 35 years old, Gower faced significant challenges from persistent injuries, particularly a knee issue, which limited his playing time and contributions to the team. These setbacks prevented him from participating in the and representing at the . In late October 2013, Gower announced his retirement from professional , citing the ongoing injuries as the primary factor in ending his 17-year career, during which he had played 289 first-grade games across the , , and .

International career

Australian and state representations

Craig Gower represented in 18 Test matches between 1999 and 2005, scoring 9 tries, 1 goal, and a total of 38 points. His international career included appearances in key series such as the Anzac Tests in 1997 and 2004, where secured victories; the 2003 series against , contributing to a successful defense of the title; the Tri-Nations tournaments in 1999 and 2004; and the 2000 , in which emerged as champions. At the state level, Gower played six matches for in 1999, 2001, 2004, and 2005, featuring primarily as a halfback or during a competitive era for the . He also made five appearances for in the annual City vs representative matches in 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006 (as captain), and 2007, often serving in a leadership role. Gower's leadership extended to the international stage, where he captained in the 2005 Test match against during the Tri-Nations tour, a 44–12 victory.

Italian rugby union

Gower qualified for through his Italian grandfather, enabling his switch to representing the Azzurri in . In May 2009, Gower was named as one of four uncapped players in 's 30-man squad for mid-year tests in and . He made his international debut on 13 June 2009 against in , starting at fly-half in a 28-14 loss, where he contributed a penalty goal despite the defeat. Italy coach praised Gower's composure and vision in the match, highlighting his potential to bolster the team's playmaking. Over the next two years, Gower earned 14 caps for between 2009 and 2011, featuring prominently in key fixtures. These included end-of-year tests in 2009 against (a 6-19 loss in ) and (a 10-32 defeat), as well as the 2010 mid-year series against and . His most notable run came during the , where he started all five matches at fly-half, scoring three penalties across the tournament—including one in Italy's 16-12 upset win over —and helping the team finish with two victories, their best performance in years. A injury in November 2010 against sidelined him for much of 2011, limiting further appearances and excluding him from the . Primarily deployed as fly-half but occasionally at inside centre, Gower infused Italy's backline with the pace and quick decision-making honed from his background, enhancing the team's attacking tempo and defensive structure. His experience contributed to Italy's gradual improvement, providing leadership and tactical acumen that supported the development of younger players during a transitional period for the national side.

Controversies

1999 indecent exposure

In April 1999, Craig Gower, then a 21-year-old Penrith Panthers player, was arrested following an incident at the Coogee Pavilion nightclub in Sydney, where he exposed himself to a female Irish tourist while heavily intoxicated by alcohol. He later pleaded guilty to indecent exposure in Waverley Local Court and was fined A$500. The (NRL) imposed an additional fine of A$2,500 on Gower for breaching the , bringing the total penalty to A$3,000, and suspended him from all representative duties. This led to his immediate exclusion from the Australian squad ahead of the 1999 Tri-Nations series, marking a significant setback in his emerging . Gower publicly admitted responsibility for the incident, attributing it to poor judgment under the influence of , and expressed over the embarrassment caused to his family and club. The event tarnished his image as a promising young talent and highlighted ongoing concerns about alcohol-related behavioral issues early in his professional life.

2005 and 2007 incidents

In December 2005, Craig Gower was involved in a controversy at the Celebrity Golf Classic, a at the Twin Waters resort on the Sunshine Coast, where he was alleged to have groped the 17-year-old daughter of legend Wayne Pearce, Tatum Pearce, amid a series of alcohol-related misbehaviors including walking around naked, crashing a , and altercations with Pearce and his son Mitchell. Following an internal investigation by the , Gower was found guilty of misconduct, resulting in his removal as club captain and a record fine of A$100,000, of which A$70,000 was suspended conditional on good behavior and alcohol counseling, while the remaining A$30,000 was directed to an NRL player education program. The NRL supported the club's penalty and requested a detailed report but did not impose additional sanctions beyond endorsing the investigation. Despite the severity of the 2005 punishment, Gower was reinstated as one of three co-captains for the in February 2007, alongside Tony Puletua and , a decision announced by coach Matthew Elliott that drew attention given Gower's history of off-field issues, including a prior 1999 fine. In February 2007, shortly before his reappointment, Gower faced another allegation when he was interviewed by Kings Cross police over an incident at the bar in , , where he was accused of assaulting two patrons by kissing and biting one man on the dance floor and tackling another. Gower denied instigating the altercation, claiming it stemmed from a misunderstanding, and the backed him, describing media reports as exaggerated; no charges were filed after police investigation. These back-to-back incidents intensified media scrutiny on Gower's maturity and suitability, particularly as a high-profile captain, contributing to ongoing questions about his off-field conduct and ultimately influencing his decision to depart for a contract with in later that year.

Post-retirement life

Hall of Fame and honors

Following his retirement from professional , Craig Gower was inducted into the Hall of Fame on 25 June 2016 as one of the inaugural members, alongside Grahame , , and , in recognition of his contributions to the club including 238 first-grade appearances and his in the 2003 premiership win. The induction highlighted his status as a club icon, with Panthers CEO noting Gower's role in elevating the team's profile during a transformative era. Gower's honors also encompass his recognition as captain of the ' 2003 NRL Premiership-winning team, a triumph that ended the club's 17-year title drought and solidified his legacy as a key figure in modern history. Additionally, he holds dual-code international status, having represented in 18 rugby league Tests between 1997 and 2005 and Italy in 14 rugby union internationals between 2009 and 2011. In November 2025, Gower and fellow Panthers legend Royce Simmons were honored at the construction site of the new Penrith Stadium by imprinting their hand and boot prints into the foundation concrete. Despite a strong candidacy for the 2003 Dally M Medal—where he led the points tally by one entering the final round and earned man-of-the-match in Penrith's decisive victory over Parramatta—Gower did not receive the award after boycotting the ceremony as part of an RLPA-led protest over player wages and conditions, a decision he later described as prioritizing collective team and player interests over personal acclaim. In a 2020 interview, Gower reflected on the choice, stating, "If it’s the best thing for the players, I’m happy to go along with it," underscoring his commitment to broader rugby league issues during the premiership season. This selfless act has since fueled campaigns for retrospective recognition, though the NRL has not awarded it as of 2025.

Media and advocacy work

Following his from professional in 2013, Craig Gower has engaged in various media appearances, often reflecting on the challenges and life lessons derived from his career's highs and lows. In a May 2025 episode of the The Bye Round with James Graham, Gower discussed his "all-or-nothing" attitude that propelled his success but also contributed to personal struggles, including periods of excessive drinking and poor performance that prompted his move in 2007. He emphasized the importance of accountability and support systems in overcoming these difficulties, noting that provided grounding amid the pressures of fame and financial success. Gower has used these platforms to highlight themes of personal growth and , crediting his time abroad for strengthening and reducing public scrutiny's impact on his . In the same , he reflected briefly on past controversies as part of a "low period" that served as a , underscoring the need for better self-management. These discussions align with his broader advocacy for enhanced support structures within the NRL, where he advocates for resources to help athletes navigate the sport's intense demands and post-career transitions. In October 2025, Gower appeared on the Who's the Boss? podcast, where he elaborated on the extremes of professional sports life, from captaining New South Wales and Australia to adapting after retirement. He expressed enduring pride in the Penrith Panthers, crediting the club's culture for instilling discipline and community values that aided his recovery from career setbacks. He has not taken on formal coaching or advisory roles as of November 2025.