Having moved to England following an impressive showing for PNG in the 1995 Rugby League World Cup, Gene enjoyed a long career in the British game with spells at Hull Kingston Rovers, Huddersfield Giants, Bradford Bulls, Hull FC and Halifax.

Gene was a versatile player with the ability to cover virtually any position on the pitch, though he spent most of his test career playing at stand off (off-half).

Gene returned to Hull Kingston Rovers, his first English club, following their promotion to Super League in 2007.

He provided experience and a steadying influence as the club established itself in Super League, before being allowed to leave at the end of the 2009 season.

Following his release from Hull Kingston Rovers, Gene signed for Cooperative Championship side Halifax for the 2010 season along with fellow countryman and close friend Makali Aizue.

In addition, he represented his country in numerous test matches before announcing his intention to retire from international rugby league following the 2008 World Cup.

Following PNG's exit from the tournament, he was tearfully carried from the field by his teammates and given a standing ovation by the 16,239 strong crowd at the Dairy Farmers Stadium in Townsville, Australia (his last game was a 46–6 defeat by the Kangaroos).

[7] In 2012, he set up the Stanley Gene Foundation, aiming to supply donations to the deprived areas of Papua New Guinea.

Although his date of birth registered with the Rugby Football League (RFL) was 11 May 1974,[10] many of his former teammates and coaches insisted he was considerably older than this.