Former Penrith star Craig Gower to play for Newcastle Knights following union, Super League stint

NEWCASTLE received a boost ahead of Saturday night's NRL match against St George-Illawarra after signing dual international Craig Gower for the remainder of the season.

Gower to return to guide Knights

NEWCASTLE received a boost ahead of Saturday night's NRL match against St George-Illawarra after signing dual international Craig Gower for the remainder of the season.

Gower will arrive in Newcastle early next week to start playing with his new club.

The 35-year-old led Penrith to a premiership in 2003 before leaving at the end of 2007 to play for French rugby side Aviron Bayonnais.

He returned to rugby league in 2012, playing for English Super League side the London Broncos.

In rugby league, Gower played six State of Origin matches for NSW and 18 Tests for Australia while, in the 15-a-side code, he represented Italy 14 times.

Newcastle chief executive Matt Gidley says Gower will be a great signing for the club.

"It will be wonderful to have someone with Craig's experience join the Knights for the remainder of the year," Gidley said.

"We have obviously had a number of injuries this season and Craig can cover players like Danny (Buderus) and Kurt (Gidley).

"Craig is a renowned competitor and will provide confidence to our younger players."

Gower is expected to play for Italy in this year's rugby league World Cup.