Gower Power For The Hills Bulls
By Lawrence Machado
Former British Super League player and NRL star David Gower is excited and pumped up on the eve of the 2021 rugby league season with the Hills Bulls. The Bulls, coached by former Irish international and Super League great Mick Withers, should be one of the stronger sides in this year’s Ron Massey Cup.
The Bulls are one of the best supported clubs in the competition and have a rich history since it was formed in 1963, with the Gremmo family being involved from the start.
In addition to Gower, the Bulls have former league stars, Tim Robinson (a Hills local), Daniel Harrison, Josh Lewis and Levai in their ranks.
The club’s latest signing is 35-year-old Gower who said he is looking forward to their first trials this Saturday against hosts Windsor Wolves.
“I am very excited at being able to play for the Bulls because though there is less pressure than in NRL, it is still a very good competition,” Winston Hills star said.
“I am very lucky and grateful to have this opportunity and if coach Michael wants any help, I will be glad to provide it.
“Mike is a very good coach and we have a very strong team this season.
“While playing in the Ron Massey Cup is not as intense as the NRL or Super League, I do miss the lifestyle of league professionals.”
Gower, who was named after English batting great David Gower, was also a handy cricketer himself in his youth, playing for Northern Districts before becoming a professional league player.
Unlike many other league stars, the 190cm tall forward first made a name for himself in Britain, turning out for Salford Red Devils in the Super League before returning to Sydney where he turned out for Wests Tigers, Dragons, Manly and Parramatta. He played for the Eagles in their grand final loss to Sydney Roosters in 2013. Despite leaving the Eels last year, he continues to be part of their wellbeing and educational team. He also played for NSW City in 2017.
“I don’t have many regrets because I have been lucky to play as long as I did,” a modest Gower said.*
The Bulls will play their first trial games of the season against the Wolves at their Windsor ground on Saturday, February 13, with the Sydney Shield match at 4pm and and Ron Massey Cup tie at 5.30pm.
