Chris Flannery was born on 5th June 1980 in Cowra, New South Wales, Australia; the son of Peter and Dee Flannery.
He started playing with Kawana Dolphins U12 to U19, then joined Sydney Roosters in 2000. He won a National Rugby League Championship medal for Sydney Roosters, scoring a try in the grand final against New Zealand Warriors on 6th October 2002 to win 30 to 8.
He also represented Queensland at U17 in 1997, and was selected to play for Queensland (10 caps) in the Origin Series from 2002 to 2006.
Chris has played at centre, five-eighth, second-row and lock - a feat few other players in the history of rugby league can boast. At 1.86m (6' 1") and 98kg (15st 6lb), he combines the pace and evasive skills of a centre with the workrate of a back-rower and the ball-playing talents of a half. He can fill most positions but normally locks the scrum.
Chris left Sydney Roosters to sign for St. Helen's in England in June 2007 on a three-and-a-half year contract. He is married to Renee (née Franklin) and the couple have a daughter Layla Rose.
[his portrait is illustrated above; courtesy of Sydney Roosters and St. Helen's]