Craig Gower (born 29 April 1978) is an Italian-Australian former professional rugby league and rugby union footballer who played in the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s. He is a dual-code rugby international, having played rugby league for Australia and rugby union for Italy. A New South Wales State of Origin and Australian Kangaroos representative or , he played in the National Rugby League for Sydney club the Penrith Panthers (whom he captained to victory in the 2003 NRL Premiership). Gower then switched rugby union, playing for French Top 14 side Bayonne, and through grandparentage represented Italy. He returned to rugby league with the London Broncos in the Super League and then finished his playing career with one more National Rugby League season at the Newcastle Knights. Background Gower was born in Penrith, New South Wales, Australia. He is of Italian descent. Gower was educated at MacCarthy Catholic College, Emu Plains. He played his junior football for the Colyton Colts and Emu Plains JRLFC before being signed by the Penrith Panthers. Rugby league career In Round 11 of the 1996 ARL season Gower made his ARL début for the Panthers against the Gold Coast Chargers. Gower made his representative début in his second season in first-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 debuted for New South Wales in the 1999 State of Origin series. He was selected for the ANZAC Test that year but was dismissed following a disciplinary incident. However he was selected for the Australian team to compete in the end of season 1999 Rugby League Tri-Nations tournament. In the final against New Zealand he played at in the Kangaroos' 22–20 victory. In 2000, Gower won the Hooker of the Year award at the 2000 Dally M Awards. In 2002, Gower debuted for the City Origin team in the annual City vs Country Origin clash. Between 2002 and 2005, Gower captained the Panthers, the highlight of which was the 2003 NRL Grand Final victory over the Sydney Roosters. After that Gower was selected to go on the 2003 Kangaroo tour. As 2003 NRL premiers,