Chris Sandow facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Chris Sandow

Sandow with the Parramatta Eels
Personal information
Full name	Chris Sandow
Born	(1989-01-09) 9 January 1989 (age 36) Kingaroy, Queensland, Australia
Height	173 cm (5 ft 8 in)
Weight	89 kg (14 st 0 lb)
Playing information
Position	Halfback
Club Years Team Pld T G FG P 2008–11 South Sydney 84 19 198 13 485 2012–15 Parramatta Eels 75 15 135 5 335 2015–16 Warrington Wolves 31 12 26 1 101 Total 190 46 359 19 921 Representative Years Team Pld T G FG P 2010 Prime Minister's XIII 1 1 0 0 4 2008–12 Indigenous All Stars 2 0 2 0 4
As of 9 January 2019

Chris Sandow, born on January 9, 1989, is an Indigenous Australian who used to play professional rugby league. He was known for his goal-kicking skills. He mainly played as a halfback or five-eighth, but could also play as a fullback.

About Chris Sandow

Early Life and Roots

Chris Sandow was born in Kingaroy, Queensland, Australia. He grew up playing rugby league in the Aboriginal community of Cherbourg. This town is about a three-hour drive north-west of Brisbane.

Later, he moved to Brisbane. There, he went to Marsden State High School. He was classmates with other future rugby league stars like Israel Folau and Antonio Winterstein. Chris Sandow comes from the Bigambul and Gubbi Gubbi traditional Aboriginal lands.

Sandow on duty with the Indigenous Dreamtime Team.

Chris Sandow's Rugby League Journey

Starting Out in Rugby League

Chris Sandow played for several clubs during his career. These included the Moranbah Miners in the local Mackay competition. He also played for Norths Devils in the Queensland Cup. In the Super League, he played for the Warrington Wolves. In Australia's National Rugby League, he played for the Parramatta Eels and the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Junior and Youth Career

Sandow started his journey playing Colts and Queensland Cup rugby league for the Souths Logan Magpies. He was recognized as a talented young player. He was chosen for the Queensland under-17's and under-19's teams.

In 2006, while still in high school, he was selected for the Australian Schoolboys squad. This team toured Wales, England, and France. During this tour, he won the 'Man-of-the-Match' Award in a game against the British Amateur Rugby League Association (BARLA) squad.

Sandow's first professional contract was with the Gold Coast Titans. He spent two years playing in their lower-grade teams.

Senior Career Highlights

South Sydney Rabbitohs (2008–2011)

Because of his strong performances as a junior, South Sydney signed Chris Sandow. He started playing in the National Youth Competition for the Rabbitohs in 2008.

In June 2008, the team's main halfback, Craig Wing, got injured. Sandow was chosen to take his place in South Sydney's top-level NRL team. At that time, the club was at the bottom of the NRL ladder. They had lost 11 out of 12 matches.

Sandow made his first-grade debut in Round 13 of the 2008 season. This game was against the Warriors in Auckland, New Zealand. In his very first game, Sandow kicked a field-goal in the final seconds. This helped South Sydney win 35–28, their second victory of the season. It was also the first time since 1999 that South Sydney had beaten the Warriors.

In the next game, Sandow scored his first NRL try against the Gold Coast Titans. His team won a close game 24–23. This win helped them move off the bottom of the table. Sandow's amazing start continued in Round 16. His team was losing 28–4 to the North Queensland Cowboys. They made an incredible comeback to tie the score at 28–28. Sandow then kicked another field-goal to win the match 29–28. This was the second biggest comeback victory in National Rugby League history.

Sandow had a fantastic first season in the NRL. He won the Dally M Award for 'Rookie of the Year.' He also made the Toyota Cup 'Team of the Year' as the starting halfback. He also received the first George Green Medal as the 'Indigenous Rising Star' of 2008.

Parramatta Eels (2012–2015)

In 2012, Sandow signed a four-year contract with the Parramatta Eels. He said he was moving 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 spent some time playing in the New South Wales Cup for the Wentworthville Magpies.

In the 2014 season, Sandow's hard work paid off. He won the Ken Thornett Medal. This award is given to the Parramatta Eels' 'Player of the Season,' as voted by the club. The 2015 season was his last year with the club.

Warrington Wolves (2015–2016)

Sandow joined the Warrington Wolves at the start of the 2015 Super League Super 8s system. He made his debut against the Leeds Rhinos. He worked hard and improved his game as the season went on.

In Round 1 of the 2016 Super League season, Sandow scored his first try for Warrington. This helped them win 12–10 against the Leeds Rhinos. In Round 3, he scored his first try at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in a 36–14 win.

Sandow was considered a top player for the 2016 Steve Prescott Man of Steel Award. His coach, Tony Smith, praised his kicking skills. Sandow played for the Warrington Wolves in two major finals in 2016. They lost the 2016 Challenge Cup Final to Hull F.C. at Wembley Stadium. They also lost the 2016 Super League Grand Final to the Wigan Warriors at Old Trafford.

In November 2016, Sandow announced he would not be returning to Warrington for the 2017 season.

Later Club Career

In 2017, Sandow signed with Queensland Cup team Norths Devils. He played 12 games for the club, scoring three tries. He later left the club. On December 20, 2017, Sandow signed a contract to join the Moranbah Miners. This team plays in the local A-grade Mackay rugby league competition.

Playing for His Country and Community

Representative Career (2008–2012)

Sandow was chosen to play for the Indigenous All Stars team. In October 2008, this team beat the New Zealand Māori 34–26. This game was played before the opening ceremony of the Rugby League World Cup.

Sandow also played for the Prime Minister's XIII in 2010. He made one appearance and scored one try for the team.

Sandow training with the Indigenous Dreamtime Team.

Awards and Achievements

Individual Honours

• 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'