St George Illawarra Dragons Legend Mark Gasnier Retires Post by: Dave-O 14 July, 2011 - 12:10 PM

(Photo: Getty Images)

A shock for Dragons fans today with Mark Gasnier announcing he will retire from rugby league at the end of this season.

The St George Illawarra star and nephew of Dragons legend Reg Gasnier made the announcement today at a packed media conference at WIN Jubilee Oval.

"I feel that the time is right and this decision is not something that I have taken lightly. I was conscious of making a decision early enough to enable to club to plan the playing roster for the future seasons," he said.

"I don’t want to hang around for too long and I want to finish on my terms."

The 29-year-old still had three years left on his contract after returning to the NRL midway through last year following a stint playing rugby in France.

Mark made his debut in 2000 against the Newcastle Knights before going onto an impressive career that saw him play 15 tests for Australia and 12 Origins for NSW.

Dragons coach Wayne Bennett said he was one of the main reasons why St George Illawarra won it's first grand final as a joint venture last year.

“I think one of his greatest achievements was how he came back in the middle of last season which was extremely difficult after two years in rugby. His contribution was one of the key factors in the Dragons being able to win the Premiership," he said.

Fans across the official St George Illawarra Dragons Facebook page paid their respects to one of their greatest players to pull on the great 'Red V'.

Tony Luu echoed the sentiments of many Dragons fans saying, "good luck in the future Gaz. Thanks for everything and thanks for being with us and playing your hearts out for us no matter what. Red V is a part of your team."

 

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• scott says

  Thanks for everything Gaz all the best with life after football now you can send more time with your beutiful wife and your little girl bring us home in 2011

  Posted Thursday 14 July, 2011 1:49 PM