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 made 126 appearances for the Roosters and scored 38 tries.
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 played for St. Helen's in England from June 2007 to September 2013, and scored 42 tries in 137 appearances before his retirement from professional rugby league. He played in the 2008, 2009 and 2010 Super League Grand Finals, and won the Challenge Cup in 2008.
He is married to Renee (née Franklin) and the couple have two daughters Layla Rose and Evie.
[his portrait is illustrated above; courtesy of Sydney Roosters and St. Helen's]