Quick Facts
Biography
Chris Gardner nicknamed "Stan" is an Australian former rugby league footballer who played in the 1970s and 1980s.He played for Cronulla-Sutherland in the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) competition.
Playing career
Gardner made his first grade debut for Cronulla in Round 3 1978 against the Parramatta Eels at Cumberland Oval.In 1978,Cronulla finished 2nd on the table and qualified for the finals.Cronulla defeated Manly in the opening week of the finals series 17-12.Cronulla then defeated minor premiers Western Suburbs to reach their second grand final against Manly.
After just 4 games in first grade, Gardner was selected to play in the 1978 NSWRL grand replay to replace Mick Mullane Jr. who was injured in the first final.Just 3 days earlier, Manly and Cronulla played out an 11-11 draw and were required to return and play again on a Tuesday afternoon.Both Manly and Cronulla went into the replay with tired players but it was Manly who prevailed in the replay 16-0 winning their fourth premiership in front of a low crowd of 33,552.
In 1979, Cronulla reached the minor semi final against Canterbury-Bankstown but were defeated 30-15 with Gardner playing at centre.In 1981, Cronulla again reached the finals but once again Manly proved to be their nemesis defeating them 14-11 in the minor preliminary final.In 1983, Gardner finished equal top try scorer in the competition with 17 tries but Cronulla finished a disappointing 9th on the table.Gardner retired at the end of the 1985 season scoring a total of 44 tries in 128 games.