the Panthers travelled to England to face Super League VIII champions, the Bradford Bulls in the 2004 World Club Challenge. Gower captained the Panthers at half back in their 22–4 loss. Gower was named Australia's captain for the Test match against France on the 2005 Tri-Nations tour. Gower became the second Penrith Panthers player to captain his country, after Brad Fittler in 1995. In 2006, Gower married Penrith Panthers cheerleader Amanda Flynn. In 2007, Gower's last year at the Panthers, he ended the season with 238 career matches for the Panthers, four games short of the club record of 242 held by Steve Carter. Rugby union career On 26 June 2007, Gower switched codes by signing with French Top 14 rugby union side Bayonne, having two years still to run on his contract at the Panthers. In 2008, Gower expressed his desire to play rugby union for Italy. He qualified for the 'Azzurri' due to his Italian grandfather. On 13 June 2009, Gower made his first appearance for Italy at fly-half against Australia after being selected for the mid-season tour of Australia and New Zealand. Italy coach Nick Mallett had initial reservations about selecting Gower. Return to rugby league Following the expiry of his union contract, Gower returned to rugby league, signing a 2-year contract with the London Broncos of the Super League starting in 2012. As a result, he did not feature in Italy's 2011 Rugby World Cup campaign, and was instead selected in the Italy rugby league squad for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup qualifying tournament, although he missed all three matches due to injury. On 14 November 2012, Gower extended his Broncos contract by a year, making him a Bronco until the end of 2014. He was then named captain, although he stood down as captain in May. In June 2013, Gower gained a release from his Broncos contract to return to Australia and negotiate a contract with National Rugby League club the Newcastle Knights. On 8 June 2013, Gower signed a contract with the Knights for the remainder of the 2013 NRL season. Gower was named in the Italy squad for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup. However he did not play due to the injury he suffered at the end of the 2013 NRL season. At the end of the 2013 NRL season, Gower announced his retirement due to injury. On 25 June 2016,