Gasnier A Dragon For Life

International centre and local junior Mark Gasnier has today agreed to terms with the Dragons for five years until the end of 2011 then said he hopes to play his entire career with the Club.

The five year deal for an undisclosed amount involves the commitment of third party sponsors within the rules and conditions of the NRL Salary Cap.

Gasnier, 24, believes he still has a lot to achieve in the game of rugby league and he and Coach Nathan Brown have set out some significant personal and team challenges for the future.

?This has been one of the biggest and most difficult decisions I have ever had to make and the close family and friends with whom l I consulted understand the magnitude of the decision to me,? said Gasnier.

?In saying that, from the outset, I was definitely interested in rugby union and the more I explored it the more it became a real option,? he said. ?But in the end loyalty to my Club and rugby league, my passion for the Dragons and my desire for success with the Dragons, meant too much.

?Financially I know rugby league has done its best and I am thankful,? he added.

?I am very grateful to the Club, my team mates and all the fans of the Dragons and rugby league generally for their support.

St George Illawarra Chief Executive Officer Peter Doust said he was very pleased for the Club, its supporters and the game generally, that Gasnier had decided to stay with the Dragons.

?Mark is an exceptional player, one of the top three or four athletes in our game, a ?true product? of our Club and the game, with a very valuable brand, in a marketing context - our brands are synonymous with rugby league,? said Doust.

?With our captain and long-term five-eight Trent Barrett leaving at the end of the season, it was imperative Mark stayed at the Club and he will play an important leadership role among our players on the field and in promotion of the Club off the field.

?The Club is also grateful for the support of third parties who, quite honestly, have enabled us to be somewhat competitive, financially,? added Doust.

Dragons Coach Nathan Brown, equally as pleased to retain his star player endorsed the comments of his CEO.

?This is great news for our Club, Gaz is a rare talent and great contributor on and off the field,? said Brown. ?We are already losing a number of quality players at the end of this season and by retaining him, it will help maintain our strength and attract other players to our Club?.

Gasnier began his rugby league career locally with Renown United and has currently played 103 first grade games with the Club. He is the ninth player to have reached the century milestone with the St George Illawarra Dragons.

Ironically, Gasnier made his NRL debut against the Knights at Energy Australia Stadium in Rnd 8, April 2000; the team and place he will play this weekend.