Martin Gleeson

Martin Gleeson is a rugby league player from Wigan, England. He is rated as one of the top centres in international rugby league, his defining characteristic being an outstanding side-step; he also has a sound defensive technique.

Related Topics:
Rugby league - Wigan - England

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Gleeson was born in Wigan on 28 May, 1980. Much of his early rugby development took place in Australia, where he emigrated with his family at age 9 to live in Queensland. He returned to England aged 17 and embarked on a professional career, signing for Huddersfield Giants in 1999.

Related Topics:
28 May - 1980 - Australia - Queensland - Huddersfield Giants

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

After three seasons with the Giants he left the club after their relegation from Super League in 2001, and signed for St Helens RFC. In 2002 he won the Super League Grand Final and made his debut for Great Britain against Australia in Sydney in July, also participating in the test series against New Zealandat the end of the season.

Related Topics:
Super League - St Helens RFC - Great Britain - Australia - Sydney - July - Test series - New Zealand

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Injury lay off disrupted him in 2003 but he came back at the end of the season to win back his place in the Great Britain squad after a fine performance for England A against the touring Australians.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He opened the 2004 season in superb form for St Helens, and won the Challenge Cup against Wigan Warriors at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. However he was involved in the 2004 rugby league betting scandal and received a four month suspension and £7500 fine for breaking rugby league betting rules.

Related Topics:
Challenge Cup - Wigan Warriors - Millennium Stadium - Cardiff - 2004 rugby league betting scandal

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Whilst serving his suspension, Gleeson was signed by Warrington Wolves for a club record fee reported in the region of £200000, and will make his debut for the Wolves in the 2005 season.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~