Former Souths and Parramatta halfback in talks to sign for Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League side

A former NRL pocket rocket was eager to revive his professional career only seven months ago but the dream looks to be fading away. Here’s why.

Chris Sandow never thought his fairytale would end in Casino.

The former Rabbitohs and Eels halfback is set to leave his NRL career behind for good as he shapes up for a move to Casino RSM Cougars over 700 km north of Sydney, in the Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League.

Chris Sandow was a gun in his prime

Seven months ago, the 32-year old labelled himself a “bargain” as he attempted to score one last NRL contract before his playing career was up.

“If a club can get me for $150,000 a year then I’d be happy. Anything around that. For a player of my calibre, that’s pretty cheap,” he told The Daily Telegraph in May 2021.

He made over 150 appearances in the NRL where he last played in 2015 before spending a year with Warrington Wolves in the UK, then with Norths Devils.

After a few years at Norths, Sandow was charged over a brawl in his hometown of Cherbourg in 2017.

Following that he played part-time with the Moranbah Miners while working in the coal industry.

Sandow had genuine X-factor in his playing days but his fitness and juggling family commitments means he’s unlikely to get his second shot at the big-time.

Casino RSM Cougars boss Jamie Dowse was the man who originally brought Sandow to Norths Devils when he was CEO in 2017.

Jamie Dowse was former CEO of Norths Devils but is now head coach at Casino RSM Cougars

Now head coach at Casino, he is working his magic again trying to lure him to the Northern Rivers outfit.

“We want to see a packed ground in Casino and Chris would be a drawcard,” he said.

“(If we sign him) he will bring experience on the field and provide a lot to the younger blokes as well.”

If Sandow makes the switch to Casino he will be joining a region that has plenty of former NRL names.

A few hours south on the Mid-North Coast he’ll find his former South Sydney Rabbitohs teammates Greg Inglis, who is coach of the Macksville Sea Eagles, and Sam Burgess, coach of the Orara Valley Axemen.

Chris Sandow and Sam Burgess training for South Sydney over a decade ago

Sandow could also have the chance to reunite with former NRL bad boy Todd Carney.

Carney is player/coach of the Byron Bay Red Devils.

The two famously fought each other in a charity boxing match in 2016.