REFORMED bad boy Craig Gower hopes to be an unlikely role model for the next generation of London Broncos stars.
The experienced Aussie led a colourful life in his earlier years – being fined for indecent exposure and threatening behaviour in bars, as well as a string of booze-fuelled lewd and violent incidents at a charity golf event – leading to him being stripped of the Penrith Panthers captaincy.
But the 33 year old half back insists he is a changed man now, and can use his past experience to warn other young rugby league stars of the pitfalls of excess.
He said: “That was all a long time ago in my past, although these things will always follow you around. Young boys will always make mistakes, it's how you learn from them that counts.
“If I can help the any other young lads making their way in sport avoid making the same mistakes from what I have been through, I would be happy to.
“I would be happy to undertake some sort of mentoring role. I have the experiences behind me, and I hope I can deliver on that.”
Gower intially escaped from his reputation four years ago when he switched codes and joined French Top 14 rugby union side Bayonne.
However, his past surfaced again when Nick Mallett, coach of an Italian national side Gower qualified for through an Italian grandfather, looked up the union convert's past and expressed reservations.
Nevertheless, he went on to make 13 appearances for the Azzurri, and enjoyed four years playing in France before switching codes once more and joining the Broncos for Super League 2012.
Gower said: “When I first switched codes it was a step into the unknown as I had not played union before, it was moving away from everything I had known before.
“It was anjoyable, but I'm looking forward to going back to rugby league – although the game has change a little. There's more of a wrestling now and trying to control the ruck.
“It's a bit different to how we played before, so there will be a few little adjustments. But controlling the ruck was they were trying in Australia when I was still playing over there, and now it's come over to England too.
“There were a few things ticking over in terms of offers, although nothing really in union, but I had some trouble with my knee too, so I wasn't even sure if I would play again, which was a factor. But once the offer from the London Broncos came in, I took an early decision to accept it.”
However, fellow Aussie Jarrad Hickey, who Broncos signed from Super League rivals Wakefield three months ago, will now not be linking up with Gower and co.
Under Super League rules, each club is only allowed to register a maximum of five non-Federation trained players, and Hickey would have been the club’s sixth.
Broncos have done everything within their means to try to rectify the situation without success, and will now assist Hickey in exploring alternative playing opportunities.
