Gary Connolly

Infobox Rugby Union biography
playername = Gary Connolly


fullname = Gary Connolly
dateofbirth = Birth date and age|1971|6|22|df=yes
cityofbirth = St Helens, Lancashire
countryofbirth = England
dateofdeath =
cityofdeath =
countryofdeath =
height = 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
weight = 14 st 0 lb (89 kg)
nickname = Lagercite journal | author = Phil Wilkinson | title = Legend Q&A | journal = Rugby League Week | issue =21 March 2007 |pages = pgs 22-23 | publisher = PBLMedia | location = Sydney, NSW | accessdate =2008-07-27]
position = Centre / Full-back
currentclub = Retired
clubnumber = 3
youthyears =
youthclubs = Blackbrook ARL
years = 1988–1993
1992–2004
1993
1996
2001–2002
2003–2004
2005
2005–2006
clubs = St Helens
Wigan
Canterbury Bulldogs
Harlequins RU
Orrell RU
Leeds Rhinos
Widnes Vikings
Munster
caps(points) = 133 (184)
309 (546)
15 (20)


30 (28)
20 (18)

repyears = 1991–2003
1992–1996
1998cite journal | author = Phil Wilkinson | title = Legend Q&A | journal = Rugby League Week | issue =21 March 2007 |pages = pgs 22-23 | publisher = PBLMedia | location = Sydney, NSW | accessdate =2008-07-27]

1997
repteam = Great Britain
England
Ireland

Rest of the World
repcaps(points) = 31 (16)
4 (12)
1 (0)
2 (0)
1(0)

Gary Connolly (born 22 June 1971 in St Helens, England) was a rugby league full back who later played at centre for the St. Helens, Canterbury Bulldogs, Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos and for the Great Britain national side. In the twilight of his career, he played rugby union for Irish side Munster Rugby.

Connolly was a dependable centre capable of a quick turn of step and strong defence. His talent was evident from an early age. At just 17, he appeared in St. Helens' ill fated defeat to their arch rivals at Wembley in 1989 on the back of some impressive performances.

His move to rivals, Wigan, in 1992 was a controversial one and many St. Helens followers labelled him 'judas' for a spell.fact|date=July 2008 Nevertheless Connolly was a member of the successful Wigan team of the mid 90's. Connolly was regarded as one of the premier British centres of his generation and appeared 31 times for the national side excelling in the defensive side of the game, although his try scoring record was very modest at this level.

Connolly moved to Leeds in 2003 and the same year was awarded the Lance Todd Trophy as "Man of the Match" in the 2003 Challenge Cup final against Bradford Bulls. [cite book | author=Alan Whiticker & Glen Hudson |title=The Encyclopedia of Rugby League Players |year=2007
publisher="Gary Allen Pty Ltd" |location=Wetherill Park, New South Wales |isbn=9781877082931 |pages=page 98] Connolly was in the Super League Dream Team of the 1998 and 1999 seasons at centre and in the 2003 season at fullback.

References

External links

* [http://www.bulldogs.com.au/main.php?page=player&id=588 Canterbury Bulldogs profile]
* [http://leedsrugby.dnsupdate.co.uk/leedsrhinos/pastplayers/squad-page.asp?ID=110 Leeds Rhinos profile]
* [http://www.saints.org.uk/saints.org.uk/home/viewpage.php?page_id=10 St Helens profile]
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport/hi/english/static/in_depth/rugby_league/2001/ashes/gb/connolly.stm 2001 Ashes profile]