Wests Archive would like to thank Geoff Gardner for generously contributing his time and information in the preparation of this profile.
Geoff Gardner grew up in the Sydney suburb of Enfield. He was educated at Croydon Park primary school and played rugby league with the school team. However his first foray into rugby league was as a four year old. He played in the under sevens for three consecutive years with the local Croydon Park club.
Geoff also played with the Concord United club and played rugby union at Homebush Boy’s High School. He led the school to premiership and zone victories. He had been recognised by Wests junior rugby league selectors as early as 1970. Geoff played junior representative rugby league for Wests over six consecutive years. He was very often the captain of the teams he played with demonstrating leadership qualities from an early age.
In 1976 Geoff was graded with Wests and made his First Grade debut. The following year he became a key member and captain of Roy Master’s premiership winning U/23 team. While Geoff showed great promise of becoming a successful First Grade player, he had other priorities in life.
He played no further grade rugby league and focussed on building his landscaping business which he still operates in the Lake Macquarie district. Geoff became a keen sailor and is a member of the Lake Macquarie Yacht Club.
