Troubled Gower crosses over
TROUBLED Penrith Panthers halfback Craig Gower has switched codes and joined French rugby union side Bayonne, the Basque team announced today (AEST).
Gower, 29, who made 14 appearances for Australia, and was captain for the 2005 Tri-Nations league Test with France, may ask for a release from the final two years of his NRL contract.
After being set for what appeared a huge future in the game, Gower has been dogged by a string of alcohol-fuelled, off-field incidents.
Controversy ... Gower won't miss the Australian press corps when he moves.
In 1999, he exposed himself to a female tourist in a Sydney bar, blaming his behaviour on alcohol.
In 2005, Gower was sacked as Panthers captain after allegedly groping the teenage daughter of Wayne Pearce and threatening the Balmain league legend's son at a charity golf event in
It was further alleged that Gower had walked around the resort naked and crashed a golf cart.
He allegedly threw a knife at other resort guests before being kicked out of the official function.
Gower was handed a "final warning" by the NRL, copped a $100,000 fine - $70,000 suspended - with the balance to be paid to an NRL program encouraging the responsible use of alcohol by league players.
He was "deeply unhappy" that the Panthers did not defend his reputation, and at one stage threatened to "walk" from the club.
There was another drink-related incident at Sydney's Kings Cross in Februrary, when Gower allegedly tried to kiss one man before biting him on the neck and sparking a brawl.
He is accused of assaulting another man and the police investigation is continuing.
The Panthers controversially reappointed Gower as captain this season, claiming the Kings Cross incident was just a media "beat-up".
Gower captained the Panthers between 2002 and 2005, the highlight of which was the 2003 grand final win over the Sydney Roosters.
He made his Australia debut in 1996 as hooker, but has since moved to halfback, and received the last remaining spot on the New South Wales interchange bench for State of Origin III two years ago.
Gower was named Kangaroos captain for the 2005 Tri-Nations Test with France, becoming the second Panthers player after Brad Fittler in 1995 to achieve the honour.