Damian Gibson

Early life

Born and raised in Rockhampton, Queensland, Gibson attended Emmaus College before being signed by the Newcastle Knights.

Playing career

After spending 1994 with the Newcastle Knights, Gibson signed with the newly-established North Queensland Cowboys. In Round 1 of the 1995 ARL season, Gibson made his first grade début as a 19-year old in the Cowboys first ever game. He scored the club's first ever try in the 32-16 loss to the Canterbury Bulldogs and was named in the Norwich Rising Star Team of 95. He spent two seasons with the Cowboys, scoring 7 tries in 31 games and was the North Queensland Cowboys Top Tryscorer in 1996.

In 1997, Gibson joined the Leeds Rhinos in the Super League, scoring three tries and being named their Player of the Year. He transferred to the then-Halifax Blue Sox in 1998, where he spent the majority of his career. During his first stint with Halifax, he scored 40 tries in 113 games. In June 1998, he made his international début for Wales, in a 15-12 loss to England.

In 2002, he joined the Salford City Reds, spending one season at the Willows before moving to Castleford Tigers in 2003, following the Reds' relegation. He re-joined Halifax in November 2004 after being released by Castleford Tigers following their relegation from Super League and went on to score 15 tries in 30 appearances in 2005. After four more seasons at Halifax, Gibson joined the Sheffield Eagles in 2009, retiring at the end of the season.

Post-playing career

Following his retirement, Gibson served as an assistant coach for the Exiles rugby league team, Leeds Rhinos, Welsh national team and the Dewsbury Rams. While at the Rhinos, he coached the club's under-18 and under-20 sides and was on the coaching staff for their 2011 Super League Grand Final winning season.