Name Luke Patten Role Rugby player | Height 1.85 m Weight 89 kg | |
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Luke Patten and Sonny Bill
Luke Patten (born 9 January 1980 in Bulli, New South Wales) is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer and referee. A Country New South Wales representative fullback he played for the Illawarra Steelers, St George Illawarra Dragons and the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in Australia and the Salford City Reds in the Super League. Patten won the 2004 NRL Premiership with the Bulldogs.
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Playing career
An Illawarra junior, Patten acquired the nickname "General" because of his surname's similarity to that of General Patton. He played for the St. George Illawarra Dragons at fullback in the 1999 NRL Grand Final loss to the Melbourne Storm. He moved to the Canterbury Bulldogs the following year.
Patten played at fullback for the Bulldogs in their 2004 NRL grand final victory over cross-city rivals, the Sydney Roosters. As 2004 NRL premiers, the Bulldogs faced Super League IX champions, the Leeds Rhinos in the 2005 World Club Challenge. Patten played at fullback and scored a try in the Bulldogs' 32-39 loss.
Patten was selected for Country in the City vs Country Origin match on 8 May 2009. In 2009, Patten was 19th man for the New South Wales Blues in Game 3.
On 27 July 2010 it was confirmed that Patten would be moving to Europe's Super League, linking up with English club Salford City Reds for 3 years from the 2011 season.
Patten and Trent Barrett, who retired at the end of the 2010 NRL season, were the joint last remaining former Illawarra Steelers players to play in the NRL.
Career highlights
Awards
Refereeing career
Patten first showed interest in becoming a referee in 2011. In 2013 he became the first ex-player from the NRL era to officiate in a first grade grand final when he served as video referee for the 2013 NRL Grand Final.