Owen Craigie

Owen Craigie (born 19 April 1978) is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s. He previously played for the Newcastle Knights, the Wests Tigers and the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the National Rugby League, and the Widnes Vikings in the Super League. Craigie primarily played as a , as well as a and . Craigie's career was cut short due to ongoing injuries.

Playing career While attending Hamilton St. Francis Xavier, Craigie played for the Australian Schoolboys team in 1994, 1995 and 1996. He is the only player to make the team three years running. Danny Buderus described him as, "the most freakish talent I came across in my junior days."

Newcastle Knights Craigie made his first grade début in 1995 against the Brisbane Broncos as a 16 year old while he was still attending school, and in his four years at the Knights he often displayed his brilliant natural ability and skill. He scored 32 tries for the Knights, and was a member of the 1997 premiership winning team. Andrew Johns said he was the "best naturally talented player I played with."

During the 1997 season, Craigie complained that he had been racially vilified during a match against North Sydney Bears. Offending player, Chris Caruana was dropped from the Norths team and was fined.

At the end of the 1999 season, Craigie's contract had ended and he was quickly signed by the Wests Tigers.

Wests Tigers Craigie played for two seasons at the Tigers, but his problems only grew as he spent a large time on the sidelines. His two seasons were cut short by on several occasions by many niggling injuries, as well as his previous problems of form and fitness he had battled at the Knights, and as a result his contract was not renewed.

South Sydney Rabbitohs In 2002, the South Sydney Rabbitohs signed Craigie on a two-year deal in the hope that his fitness problems could be overcome Craigie quickly moved back to Australia.