Chris Gardner (rugby league)

Chris Gardner nicknamed "Stan" is an Australian former rugby league footballer who played in the 1970s and 1980s. He played for Cronulla-Sutherland in the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) competition.

Chris Gardner
Personal information
Full nameChristopher John Gardner
Born19 October 1954
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Playing information
PositionWing, Centre
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1978–85 Cronulla-Sutherland 128 44 13 0 154
As of 13 April 2019
Source: [1]

Playing career

Gardner made his first grade debut for Cronulla in Round 3 1978 against the Parramatta Eels at Cumberland Oval. In 1978, Cronulla finished 2nd on the table and qualified for the finals. Cronulla defeated Manly in the opening week of the finals series 17-12. Cronulla then defeated minor premiers Western Suburbs to reach their second grand final against Manly.

After just 4 games in first grade, Gardner was selected to play in the 1978 NSWRL grand replay to replace Mick Mullane Jr. who was injured in the first final. Just 3 days earlier, Manly and Cronulla played out an 11-11 draw and were required to return and play again on a Tuesday afternoon. Both Manly and Cronulla went into the replay with tired players but it was Manly who prevailed in the replay 16-0 winning their fourth premiership in front of a low crowd of 33,552.

In 1979, Cronulla reached the minor semi final against Canterbury-Bankstown but were defeated 30-15 with Gardner playing at centre. In 1981, Cronulla again reached the finals but once again Manly proved to be their nemesis defeating them 14-11 in the minor preliminary final. In 1983, Gardner finished equal top try scorer in the competition with 17 tries but Cronulla finished a disappointing 9th on the table. Gardner retired at the end of the 1985 season scoring a total of 44 tries in 128 games.[2][3][4][5][6]

References
  1. "Chris Gardner - Career Stats & Summary - Rugby League Project". Rugbyleagueproject.org.
  2. "Cronulla's NRL premiership pays back the loyal fans of The Shire". www.theguardian.com.
  3. "38 years to the day: 1978 Grand Final replay". www.seaeagles.com.au.
  4. Alan Whiticker/Glen Hudson: The Encyclopedia of Rugby League Players. (1995 edition) ISBN 1875169571
  5. "Team of the Half Century: The Wingers". www.sharks.com.au.
  6. "NRL grand final: Cronulla Sharks' history of heartbreaking rugby league finals losses". www.abc.net.au.
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