Clinton Schifcofske (born November 10, 1975 in Moranbah, Queensland) is an Australian rugby union player for the Ulster rugby in the Magners League competition. Clinton previously played rugby league for the Parramatta Eels and the South Queensland Crushers before the club disbanded and he was signed to the Canberra Raiders, where he eventually finished his rugby league career. His position of choice is at Fullback.
In 2001 and 2004 Schifcofske was named the Canberra Raiders' player of the year. In 2006 he was made captain of the club. In the same year, due to an injury incurred by Karmichael Hunt, Schifcofske was chosen in the Queensland Maroons side for the 2006 State of Origin decider. During the middle of the the 2006 season he made the decision to switch codes from Rugby League to Rugby Union signing a two year deal with the Queensland Reds for the 2007 season.
In 2006, he had the best goal kicking success rate in the NRL ahead of both Andrew Johns and Hazem El Masri. His final NRL match was played at Telstra Stadium on the 9th of September 2006 against the Canterbury Bulldogs where the Raiders were knocked out of the finals race.
Schifcoske's Rugby Union career started when the Queensland Reds took on Japan with Schifcoske having a sound performance in his first game and then playing for an invitational World XV side against The Springboks. After being planned to be used as a goal-kicking winger by Eddie Jones the season ending injury to Reds and Wallabies Fullback Chris Latham, Schifcoske was selected to play in his preferred position of Fullback.
Schifcofske is weighing up a two-year offer from the Reds as well as interest from five other clubs, including a large deal from Ulster Rugby. It's understood two are from league, an unnamed NRL club and Perpignan-based Super League franchise Catalans Dragons, while other interest comes from rugby union clubs in England and Japan.[1]
It has since been confirmed that he will be leaving the Reds at the end of the 2008 Super 14 season, and joining the Irish province Ulster for three seasons.
Awards & Honors
- State of Origin: Played 2 games in total for Queensland (2002 & 2006)
- 2006 Dally M Fullback of the Year.
References
External links
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