Decision
looms for Gasnier

Mark Gasnier's playing future should become clearer today with the Australian Rugby Union's lucrative offer to switch codes reaching its deadline this afternoon. The ARU tabled an improved offer to the Kangaroos centre last week, but wants a decision on whether he will accept it by today.

The governing body says it's holding Gasnier to its deadline of 3pm today to decide whether he'll switch codes - unless there are new circumstances. ARU chief operations manager Rob Clarke says the deadline has already been extended once to allow Gasnier to concentrate on last Friday's rugby league Test against New Zealand.

Clarke has told Sydney radio station 2KY the deadline is there for a reason, as Gasnier's decision impacts on others the ARU must make, and it stands unless it hears from his management that there are new circumstances or factors to consider. He says the ARU won't be extending it for a matter of weeks and if Gasnier is to seek another week he'll want to know why.

St George Illawarra last night made a last-ditch bid to keep Gasnier in rugby league, with Dragons chief executive Peter Doust meeting with the sought-after three-quarter and his manager.