Chris Sandow facts for kids
Sandow with the Parramatta Eels
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Personal information
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| Full name | Chris Sandow | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 9 January 1989 Kingaroy, Queensland, Australia |
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| Height | 167 cm (5 ft 6 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 89 kg (14 st 0 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Playing information
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| Position | Halfback | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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As of 9 January 2019
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Chris Sandow (born 9 January 1989) is an Indigenous Australian former professional rugby league player. He was known for his goal-kicking skills. Chris mainly played as a halfback or five-eighth, but could also play as a fullback.
Contents
About Chris Sandow
Chris Sandow was born in Kingaroy, Queensland, Australia. He grew up in the Aboriginal community of Cherbourg. This town is about a three-hour drive north-west of Brisbane.
Later, Chris moved to Brisbane. He went to Marsden State High School there. His classmates included other future rugby league stars like Israel Folau and Antonio Winterstein. Chris is from the Bigambul and Gubbi Gubbi Indigenous groups.
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Chris's Rugby League Journey
Chris Sandow played for several clubs during his career. These included the Moranbah Miners and Norths Devils in Queensland. He also played for the Warrington Wolves in the Super League in England. In Australia, he played for the Parramatta Eels and the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the National Rugby League (NRL).
Starting His Career
Chris played junior rugby league for the Souths Logan Magpies. He was chosen for the Queensland under-17 and under-19 teams. In 2006, while still in high school, he was selected for the Australian Schoolboys squad. This team toured Wales, England, and France. Chris even won the 'Man-of-the-Match' award in a game against the British Amateur Rugby League Association (BARLA) squad.
His first professional contract was with the Gold Coast Titans. He spent two years playing in their junior teams. Chris was seen as a promising player. However, he faced challenges being away from his family.
Playing Positions
Chris mainly played in the halves, as a halfback or five-eighth. He was also able to play as a fullback.
Time with South Sydney (2008–2011)
Because of his strong junior performances, the South Sydney club signed Chris in 2008. He started playing in the National Youth Competition for the Rabbitohs.
In June 2008, the team's main halfback, Craig Wing, got injured. Chris was chosen to take his place in the NRL first-grade team. When Chris made his debut, South Sydney was at the bottom of the NRL ladder. They had lost 11 out of 12 matches.
In his first game in round 13 of the 2008 season, Chris played against the Warriors in Auckland. In the final moments of the game, Chris kicked a field goal that won the match for Souths, 35–28. This was South Sydney's second win of the season. It was also their first win against the Warriors since 1999.
In his next game, Chris scored his first NRL try against the Gold Coast Titans. This helped his team win 24–23. A week later, in round 16, Souths were losing 28–4 to the North Queensland Cowboys. They made an amazing comeback to tie the score at 28–28. Chris then kicked another field goal to win the game 29–28. This was the second-biggest comeback victory in NRL history!
Chris had a fantastic first season in the NRL. He won the Dally M Award for 'Rookie of the Year.' He was also named the starting halfback in the Toyota Cup – 'Team of the Year.' He also received the first George Green Medal for 'Indigenous Rising Star' of 2008.
Time with Parramatta Eels (2012–2015)
In 2012, Chris signed a four-year contract with the Parramatta Eels. This deal was reportedly worth a lot of money. Chris said he moved to make sure his children would be "well provided for in the future."
His first two years with the Parramatta Eels were challenging. His performances were not always consistent. He sometimes played in the New South Wales Cup for the Wentworthville Magpies. In 2014, Chris won the Ken Thornett Medal. This award is given to the Parramatta Eels' 'Player of the Season.'
The 2015 season was Chris's last year with the Eels. After some difficult situations, Chris left the club. His final game for the Parramatta Eels was in round 19 against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
Time with Warrington Wolves (2015–2016)
Chris joined the Warrington Wolves in the Super League in 2015. He made his debut against the Leeds Rhinos. Chris worked hard and improved his game.
In 2016, Chris scored his first try for Warrington in a win against the Leeds Rhinos. He scored another try at the Halliwell Jones Stadium against the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats. Chris was considered a top player in the Super League. His coach, Tony Smith, praised his excellent kicking game.
Chris played in two major finals for the Warrington Wolves in 2016. He played in the 2016 Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, where they lost to Hull F.C.. He also played in the 2016 Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford, where they lost to the Wigan Warriors. He was a runner-up in both big games. In November 2016, Chris announced he would not return to Warrington for the 2017 season.
Later Career (2017–2018)
In 2017, Chris signed a one-year deal with the Queensland Cup team Norths Devils. He played 12 games for them, scoring three tries. After missing a training session, he left the club.
On 20 December 2017, Chris signed with the Moranbah Miners. This team plays in the local A-grade Mackay rugby league competition.
Playing for His Country and Community (2008–2012)
Chris was chosen to play for the Indigenous All Stars team in 2008. They won against the New Zealand Māori 34–26. This game was played before the opening ceremony of the Rugby League World Cup.
Chris also played for the Prime Minister's XIII team in 2010. He made one appearance and scored one try.
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Awards and Achievements
Chris Sandow received several important awards during his career:
- 2008: Peter Moore Award – Dally M 'Rookie of the Year'
- 2008: George Green Medal – 'Indigenous Rising Star of 2008'
- 2008: Toyota Cup – 'Halfback of the Year'
- 2014: Ken Thornett Medal – Parramatta Eels' 'Player of the Season'
