Dave Gower set to sparkle for Dragons

When Dave Gower's manager mentioned St George Illawarra as a potential new home for 2011, his first words were "where do I sign?".No questions asked, he was convinced.A one-year contract at the Dragons meant three things for the 25-year-old front-rower.Not only was he joining a premiership-winning team, under possibly the greatest coach of all time, but it also meant he could finally give up his day job as an electrician.Gower, who played one NRL game in the past three seasons with the Wests Tigers, does have a gruelling three months ahead of him, but what he doesn't have to worry about is going back to work as a "sparky" when the preseason comes to an end.Wayne Bennett's promise - which was given the first time the pair met midway through this year - is etched in his memory."He pulled me aside and said 'look mate, I'm bringing you down to give you an opportunity, so just rip in and do the best with it'," Gower recalled of his first encounter with Bennett.An opportunity was all the 2009 NSW Cup player of the year was after.He doesn't have any lofty ambitions or unrealistic goals, just a burning desire to prove to Bennett that he made the right decision investing in him."I have to prove to myself, to the boys and the coaching staff that I'm worthy of a spot in this great side," he said."I've come in here as a reserve grader so if I've got to prove myself in the NSW Cup for a couple of months I'll just wait, bide my time, train hard, keep learning and hopefully I'll get an opportunity."Whether that's around Origin time or before, that doesn't matter to me, I just want an opportunity to prove myself."Gower, who is of English heritage, served his apprenticeship with Salford in the English Super League for three years before joining the Tigers in 2008.While most players would complain about the toughness of an Australian preseason, Gower is relishing the conditions, thankful he isn't still in Salford where the average high in December is seven degrees."The weather's pretty ordinary over there but it makes you stronger and tougher," he said. "I'm an Englishman so it's sort of in my blood but you can never get used to that weather."