Mark Gasnier
Encyclopedia
Mark Gasnier is an Australia
n former rugby league
player, a state
and national representative centre three-quarter. He played eleven top-grade seasons with the St. George Illawarra Dragons in the NRL
, interrupted by two seasons of rugby union
played with the French club Stade Français. He was a member of the Dragons' NRL premiership-winning team in 2010. He retired at the end of the 2011 season. He is the nephew of the renowned St. George 1960s star Reg Gasnier
.
Gasnier played his junior rugby league in the St George District with the Renown United club. He toured New Zealand with the Australian Schoolboys in 1998.
and made his International debut in a 2001 Test against the PNG Kumuls
and scored a try in each.
and Jason Ryles
would captain St George Illawarra. Controversially, given his reputation as centre, Gasnier was moved to five-eighth for the Dragons following Trent Barrett
's move to the Wigan Warriors. However, Gasnier tore his pectoral muscle tackling Nigel Vagana
in the Charity Shield
pre-season trial and was unable to play again until July. On 21 July, Gasnier made his long-awaited return to the Dragons, in the five-eighth position, with his team winning 38–20 against the Penrith Panthers.
Despite Gasnier's shortened season, he was selected for the Australian Kangaroos in October to play the New Zealand Kiwis
in Wellington. Gasnier spent 24 minutes on the field before being knocked out by a Steve Matai
high tackle. Suffering from concussion, Gasnier was unable to participate further in the game.
(who was also dropped), Craig Wing
and Craig Gower
were in a taxi when Gasnier rang a number on Minchiello's mobile phone, leaving an obscene message.
League comedians Roy and HG
have since referred to Gasnier as "Fire Up Bitch!", in reference to the voicemail message, and he has been lampooned by Matthew "Reg Reagan" Johns
over the subject. Gasnier was eventually selected to play in Origin III for the Blues, and scored two tries.
In July, 2008 Gasnier reported that he would switch to rugby union at the end of the season to link up with French club Stade Français. Gasnier played his final game for the Dragons against the Manly Sea Eagles at Brookvale
in the 3rd Qualifying Final, scoring the Dragons' only points.
300,000 a season. Upon joining the Paris club he was coached by former NSW Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie
. After finishing the rugby league season with the Dragons, Gasnier flew out to France to start his rugby union career when the Dragons dropped out of the finals. For his debut with Stade Français on 26 September 2008, Gasnier played right wing and ran in for a try, finishing off a fine display of passing rugby by the Stade backs, against Bourgoin-Jallieu
at the Stade des Alpes
in Grenoble
before getting injured. On 24 January 2009 he scored the decisive try in a Heineken Cup
victory over Ulster
. Gasnier also scored a brilliant solo try beating eight defenders in a 30 metre run to the line in Stade Français' 23–18 victory over French rivals SC Albi
geois at the Stade Jean Bouin in Paris on 5 November 2009. He is known as "Les Gaz!" by the fans.
Gasnier continued his prolific 2009/10 season by scoring his 6th try of the campaign against Bayonne
in round 15 in front of more than 70,000 fans at the Stade de France
in Paris. This made him the Top 14's leading try scorer and he continues to impress after switching codes. In April–May 2010 Gasnier was reportedly talking with coach Rod Macqueen about the possibility of Gasnier signing with the Melbourne Rebels
for the team's debut in the expanded Super 14
, February 2011.
Gasnier made his comeback for the Dragons against the Penrith Panthers
but the Dragons lost 12-8. His second match however was more of a success, as he scored the match winning try for the Dragons as they snuck home against the South Sydney Rabbitohs
16-13. He went on to play for the Dragons' in the 2010 NRL Grand Final
, scoring the first try of the match to help the joint-venture club beat the Sydney Roosters
and claim its first premiership.
Gasnier participated in the Dragon's 2011 World Club Challenge
and Charity Shield wins.
His good form lead to him being selected to join the NSW Rugby league team again for the 2011 State of Origin series
. He played all three matches, displaying mixed form throughout the series.
On 14 July, he formally announced his retirement from professional rugby league. He finished his career in a semi-final clash at Suncorp Stadium against the Brisbane Broncos
, with the Dragons losing 13–12, after a Darren Lockyer
field goal in extra time.
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
n former rugby league
Rugby league
Rugby league football, usually called rugby league, is a full contact sport played by two teams of thirteen players on a rectangular grass field. One of the two codes of rugby football, it originated in England in 1895 by a split from Rugby Football Union over paying players...
player, a state
New South Wales Blues
The New South Wales cricket team are an Australian first class cricket team based in Sydney, New South Wales...
and national representative centre three-quarter. He played eleven top-grade seasons with the St. George Illawarra Dragons in the NRL
National Rugby League
The National Rugby League is the top league of professional rugby league football clubs in Australasia. The NRL's main competition, called the Telstra Premiership , is contested by sixteen teams, fifteen of which are based in Australia with one based in New Zealand...
, interrupted by two seasons of rugby union
Rugby union
Rugby union, often simply referred to as rugby, is a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand...
played with the French club Stade Français. He was a member of the Dragons' NRL premiership-winning team in 2010. He retired at the end of the 2011 season. He is the nephew of the renowned St. George 1960s star Reg Gasnier
Reg Gasnier
Reg Gasnier AM is an Australian former rugby league footballer and coach, regarded as one of the 20th century's finest players. He played in the centres for the St. George Dragons from 1959 to 1967...
.
Early career
While attending Peakhurst High School, Gasnier played for the Australian Schoolboys team in 1998 and 1999.Gasnier played his junior rugby league in the St George District with the Renown United club. He toured New Zealand with the Australian Schoolboys in 1998.
Professional career
Gasnier made his 1st Grade debut for the Dragons in round 8 of the 2000 season against Newcastle KnightsNewcastle Knights
The Newcastle Knights are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in Newcastle, New South Wales. They compete in Australasia's premier rugby league competition, the National Rugby League premiership...
and made his International debut in a 2001 Test against the PNG Kumuls
Papua New Guinea national rugby league team
The Papua New Guinea national rugby league team represents Papua New Guinea internationally in the sport of rugby league football.In Papua New Guinea, Rugby league is highly popular and is regarded as the country’s national sport. The national side are known as the Kumuls...
and scored a try in each.
2006
After winning Dally M Centre of the Year in 2005, he signed a new one year contract, with further one year options for the next four years with the St George Illawarra Dragons. Again Gasnier won the Dally M Centre of the Year.2007
In early 2007 it was announced that Mark Gasnier, Ben HornbyBen Hornby
Ben Hornby is an Australian Naruto loving professional rugby league footballer who currently captains the St George Illawarra Dragons of the National Rugby League...
and Jason Ryles
Jason Ryles
Jason Ryles is an Australian rugby league player. He has played in the National Rugby League for the Sydney Roosters and the St. George Illawarra Dragons and in Europe's Super League for the Catalans Dragons. He is contracted to play for the Melbourne Storm from 2012...
would captain St George Illawarra. Controversially, given his reputation as centre, Gasnier was moved to five-eighth for the Dragons following Trent Barrett
Trent Barrett
Trent Barrett is an Australian retired professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s...
's move to the Wigan Warriors. However, Gasnier tore his pectoral muscle tackling Nigel Vagana
Nigel Vagana
Nigel Vagana is a retired professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. A New Zealand and Samoa international representative centre, he retired as the Kiwis' all-time top try-scorer with 19...
in the Charity Shield
Rugby League Charity Shield (Australia)
Regarded as the unofficial start to the National Rugby League season, the Charity Shield has been in operation since 1982 ....
pre-season trial and was unable to play again until July. On 21 July, Gasnier made his long-awaited return to the Dragons, in the five-eighth position, with his team winning 38–20 against the Penrith Panthers.
Despite Gasnier's shortened season, he was selected for the Australian Kangaroos in October to play the New Zealand Kiwis
New Zealand national rugby league team
The New Zealand national rugby league team has represented New Zealand in rugby league football since intercontinental competition began for the sport in 1907. Administered by the New Zealand Rugby League, they are commonly known as the Kiwis, after the native bird of that name...
in Wellington. Gasnier spent 24 minutes on the field before being knocked out by a Steve Matai
Steve Matai
Stephen "Steve" Matai is a professional rugby league footballer for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles of the National Rugby League. He plays as a centre. He is a New Zealand international of Samoan Heritage...
high tackle. Suffering from concussion, Gasnier was unable to participate further in the game.
2004 controversy
In 2004 Gasnier was dropped from the NSW State of Origin team following a complaint that he had made a lewd telephone call to another man. After a night of heavy drinking he and team-mates Anthony MinichielloAnthony Minichiello
Anthony Minichiello is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who, to date, has played his entire career for the Sydney Roosters of the National Rugby League. He plays at fullback and on the Wing. Minichiello has represented New South Wales and Australia...
(who was also dropped), Craig Wing
Craig Wing
Craig Wing is an Australian rugby union player. He currently plays rugby union in Japan. A former rugby league player for New South Wales State of Origin and Australian international utility player, Wing played for South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters.-South Sydney Rabbitohs:Craig Wing was a...
and Craig Gower
Craig Gower
Craig Gower is an Australian-Italian professional rugby footballer. He is a dual-code rugby international, having played rugby league for Australia, and rugby union for Italy...
were in a taxi when Gasnier rang a number on Minchiello's mobile phone, leaving an obscene message.
League comedians Roy and HG
Roy and HG
Roy & HG is an Australian comedy duo, comprising Greig Pickhaver in the role of "H [Harry] G Nelson" and John Doyle as "'Rampaging' Roy Slaven". Their act is an affectionate but irreverent parody of Australia's obsession with sport. Their characters based on archetypes in sports journalism: Nelson...
have since referred to Gasnier as "Fire Up Bitch!", in reference to the voicemail message, and he has been lampooned by Matthew "Reg Reagan" Johns
Matthew Johns
Matthew Johns is an Australian rugby league football commentator and former professional player...
over the subject. Gasnier was eventually selected to play in Origin III for the Blues, and scored two tries.
2008
Gasnier was named sole captain of the Dragons for the 2008 season. He paired up with Matt Cooper in the centres. Gasnier was selected to play for Australia on 9 May and scored the first two tries. He was selected for origin 1 against the Maroons, and helped set up five tries. He was also picked for rigin 2 despite carrying an injury, but was unable to play the 3rd game.In July, 2008 Gasnier reported that he would switch to rugby union at the end of the season to link up with French club Stade Français. Gasnier played his final game for the Dragons against the Manly Sea Eagles at Brookvale
Brookvale Oval
Brookvale Oval is a sporting ground located within Brookvale Park at Brookvale, New South Wales, Australia. The ground is owned by Warringah Council and is primarily used by the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles rugby league team...
in the 3rd Qualifying Final, scoring the Dragons' only points.
Rugby union career
Gasnier joined French rugby union club Stade Français from October 2008 on a two year deal worth approximately €Euro
The euro is the official currency of the eurozone: 17 of the 27 member states of the European Union. It is also the currency used by the Institutions of the European Union. The eurozone consists of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,...
300,000 a season. Upon joining the Paris club he was coached by former NSW Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie
Ewen McKenzie
Ewen James Andrew McKenzie is a former Australian Rugby Union prop and now professional coach, currently with the Queensland Reds who won the 2011 premiership...
. After finishing the rugby league season with the Dragons, Gasnier flew out to France to start his rugby union career when the Dragons dropped out of the finals. For his debut with Stade Français on 26 September 2008, Gasnier played right wing and ran in for a try, finishing off a fine display of passing rugby by the Stade backs, against Bourgoin-Jallieu
CS Bourgoin-Jallieu
CS Bourgoin-Jallieu is a French rugby union club currently competing in the second level of the French league system in the Pro D2. The club have been runners-up in the French championship and the Challenge Yves du Manoir competitions, and have won the Challenge Cup.Founded in 1906 as "Club...
at the Stade des Alpes
Stade des Alpes
Stade des Alpes is a football stadium in Grenoble, France. The stadium holds 20,068 and hosts the home games of Grenoble Foot 38.Situated in Parc Paul Mistral, it replaced their stadium Stade Lesdiguières....
in Grenoble
Grenoble
Grenoble is a city in southeastern France, at the foot of the French Alps where the river Drac joins the Isère. Located in the Rhône-Alpes region, Grenoble is the capital of the department of Isère...
before getting injured. On 24 January 2009 he scored the decisive try in a Heineken Cup
Heineken Cup
The Heineken Cup is one of two annual rugby union competitions organised by European Rugby Cup involving leading club, regional and provincial teams from the six International Rugby Board countries in Europe whose national teams compete in the Six Nations Championship: England, France, Ireland,...
victory over Ulster
Ulster Rugby
Ulster Rugby, usually referred to simply as Ulster, is an Irish professional rugby union team based in Belfast, representing the Irish province of Ulster, that competes in the RaboDirect Pro12 and also competes in the Heineken Cup...
. Gasnier also scored a brilliant solo try beating eight defenders in a 30 metre run to the line in Stade Français' 23–18 victory over French rivals SC Albi
SC Albi
Sporting Club Albigeois is a professional French rugby union club playing the second-level Rugby Pro D2. During the past years it went back and forth between Top 14, the highest level of the French league system and the second-level Rugby Pro D2. Their last time in the Top 14 was for 2009–10 after...
geois at the Stade Jean Bouin in Paris on 5 November 2009. He is known as "Les Gaz!" by the fans.
Gasnier continued his prolific 2009/10 season by scoring his 6th try of the campaign against Bayonne
Aviron Bayonnais
Aviron Bayonnais is a French rugby union club from Bayonne in Pyrénées-Atlantiques that currently competes in the top level of the French league system, in the Top 14 competition...
in round 15 in front of more than 70,000 fans at the Stade de France
Stade de France
The Stade de France is the national stadium of France, situated just north of Paris in the commune of Saint-Denis. It has an all-seater capacity of 80,000, making it the fifth largest stadium in Europe, and is used by both the France national football team and French rugby union team for...
in Paris. This made him the Top 14's leading try scorer and he continues to impress after switching codes. In April–May 2010 Gasnier was reportedly talking with coach Rod Macqueen about the possibility of Gasnier signing with the Melbourne Rebels
Melbourne Rebels
The Melbourne Rebels are a professional rugby union team based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. They made their debut in SANZAR's Super Rugby tournament in 2011. They are the first privately owned professional rugby union team in Australia...
for the team's debut in the expanded Super 14
Super 14
Super Rugby is the largest and pre-eminent professional Rugby union competition in the Southern Hemisphere...
, February 2011.
Return to rugby league
It was announced in June 2010 that Gasnier was intending to return to rugby league following the expiration of his rugby union contract. This was confirmed when he signed a four-and-a-half year deal with former club St George Illawarra.Gasnier made his comeback for the Dragons against the Penrith Panthers
Penrith Panthers
The Penrith Panthers are an Australian professional rugby league football team based in the western Sydney suburb of Penrith. They compete in the National Rugby League premiership, the top rugby league football competition in Australasia. For the 2012 NRL season they will be coached by Ivan...
but the Dragons lost 12-8. His second match however was more of a success, as he scored the match winning try for the Dragons as they snuck home against the South Sydney Rabbitohs
South Sydney Rabbitohs
The South Sydney Rabbitohs are an Australian professional rugby league football team based in Redfern, a suburb of South-central Sydney, New South Wales. They participate in the National Rugby League premiership and are one of nine existing teams from the state capital...
16-13. He went on to play for the Dragons' in the 2010 NRL Grand Final
2010 NRL Grand Final
The 2010 NRL Grand Final was the conclusive and premiership-deciding game of the 2010 NRL season. Played on Sunday, 3 October at Sydney's ANZ Stadium, the match was contested by the St. George Illawarra Dragons and the Sydney Roosters. It was the first time the two sides met in a grand final. They...
, scoring the first try of the match to help the joint-venture club beat the Sydney Roosters
Sydney Roosters
The Sydney Roosters are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. The club competes in the National Rugby League and is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in Australian rugby league history, having won twelve New South Wales Rugby League...
and claim its first premiership.
Gasnier participated in the Dragon's 2011 World Club Challenge
2011 World Club Challenge
The 2011 World Club Challenge was contested by Super League XV champions, Wigan Warriors, and 2010 NRL Premiers, the St. George Illawarra Dragons...
and Charity Shield wins.
His good form lead to him being selected to join the NSW Rugby league team again for the 2011 State of Origin series
2011 State of Origin series
The 2011 State of Origin series was the 30th annual best-of-three series of interstate rugby league football matches between the Queensland and New South Wales representative teams contested under "State of Origin" selection rules. Game I was played in Brisbane, Game II was played in Sydney and...
. He played all three matches, displaying mixed form throughout the series.
On 14 July, he formally announced his retirement from professional rugby league. He finished his career in a semi-final clash at Suncorp Stadium against the Brisbane Broncos
Brisbane Broncos
The Brisbane Broncos are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the city of Brisbane, the capital of the state of Queensland. Founded in 1988, the Broncos play in Australasia's elite competition, the National Rugby League premiership. They have won six premierships and two...
, with the Dragons losing 13–12, after a Darren Lockyer
Darren Lockyer
Darren Lockyer is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer. He was the captain of the Australian national team, the Queensland State of Origin team and his National Rugby League club, the Brisbane Broncos. His professional career spanned between 1995 and 2011...
field goal in extra time.