Career Record for Featherstone
Appearances			Tries	Goals	Drop Goals	Points
Total	Start	Sub
333	281	52	12	0	0	36

When one looks back on the career of Mick Gibbins, one can only admire what he achieved despite set-backs to which lesser players would have succumbed. It was far from easy for him to break into the senior team and, when he did establish himself, injuries interrupted his progress at vital times. A back injury severely disrupted his career from 1978 to 1981 at a time when he had been playing his best football. In spite of this, he battled on and regained his place in time to play his part in the 1983 RL Cup win over Hull at Wembley. He qualified for a testimonial and eventually completed sixteen seasons with the Rovers. His greatest asset was described as his determination to succeed and this was certainly reflected throughout his career.

Signed from Featherstone juniors in December 1970, he spent the best part of his early years in the reserves. He made his senior debut v Rochdale (away) in September 1971 but, with the Rovers power pack of the 1970s, he found himself mainly on the fringe and it was not until that pack was broken up after the First Division title win in 1977 that he was able to command a regular place. His form was such as to gain him Great Britain Under 24 honours against France in 1977. Typical of his displays was that in the RL Cup semi-final v Leeds in April 1978 when, despite a Rovers defeat, it was reported that 'prop Gibbins was the mightiest forward on view'.

In 1978 he was struck with a mystery back injury which plagued him for three years. Yet he doggedly persisted in trying to pursue his career despite the injury and there was partial recompense in his selection for Yorkshire's two games in 1979, even though he only managed thirteen club appearances that season. Fortunately, he won through when the injury subsided in 1981 and he celebrated with one of his best seasons in 1981/82 with 31 appearances, 5 tries and the Player of the Year award. A testimonial followed in 1982/83, crowned with an appearance at Wembley as he played his part in the RL Cup win over Hull.

Peter Fox described him as 'a first-class grafting forward, tenacious, fearless, a complete text-book tackler who played to the best of his ability at all times - a coach's jewel'. His exceptional defence was particularly remarkable for a second-row forward who progressed' to prop. One of many outstanding games was the third round RL Cup-tie with Leeds in March 1976 when Rovers produced an amazing 33-7 win. Gibbins' performance was described thus, 'He tore into the defence with fervour and his late try was a reward for a great all-round game'.

In 1986, he played in the opening two games of the new season and after playing at Leeds on 3 September he was transferred to Hull the following week.

Gibbins showed great character and determination which enabled him to overcome a career-threatening back injury and re-establish his fitness and career to become a successful and respected professional.

 

Biography by Ron Bailey