The St George Illawarra Dragons today announced that they were not prepared to release Origin centre Mark Gasnier from his current contract with the Club, which expires at the end of the 2006 season.
Gasnier, 23, has been the subject of speculation that he would seek a release from his Dragons contract to accept a lucrative offer to join English Club Wigan.
Dragons Chief Executive Officer Peter Doust today said the Club had advised Gasnier and his management that such a release would not be granted, ensuring the popular centre will stay with the Dragons for at least the next two years following this season.
We have had discussions with Marks management concerning a possible release but in the end we could not adequately resolve the details such as a date of return, said Doust.
Its a complex issue but I certainly never wanted him to go anywhere and, quite frankly, why would you. Mark is an outstanding talent, a key member of our team and he will be fundamental in our plans for future success.
Notwithstanding this, I took a lot of time to consider his point of view but in the end we have made a decision that Mark accepts and understands.
Gasnier, currently sidelined with a broken collar bone suffered in the deciding Origin match earlier this month, said he is pleased the issue has been resolved.
I totally understand the Clubs position and they are well within their rights to make the decision they have, said Gasnier.
I have had some things to consider over recent months but I am pleased that the speculation over my playing future has now been settled.
I just want to get on with it now and play some good football for the Dragons. My immediate priority is to get my shoulder right and get back on the field to help my team-mates achieve this season.
- Dragons media release.
There will be announcement today at 12:30pm, on the steps at St George League Club
Gasnier, 23, has been the subject of speculation that he would seek a release from his Dragons contract to accept a lucrative offer to join English Club Wigan.
Dragons Chief Executive Officer Peter Doust today said the Club had advised Gasnier and his management that such a release would not be granted, ensuring the popular centre will stay with the Dragons for at least the next two years following this season.
We have had discussions with Marks management concerning a possible release but in the end we could not adequately resolve the details such as a date of return, said Doust.
Its a complex issue but I certainly never wanted him to go anywhere and, quite frankly, why would you. Mark is an outstanding talent, a key member of our team and he will be fundamental in our plans for future success.
Notwithstanding this, I took a lot of time to consider his point of view but in the end we have made a decision that Mark accepts and understands.
Gasnier, currently sidelined with a broken collar bone suffered in the deciding Origin match earlier this month, said he is pleased the issue has been resolved.
I totally understand the Clubs position and they are well within their rights to make the decision they have, said Gasnier.
I have had some things to consider over recent months but I am pleased that the speculation over my playing future has now been settled.
I just want to get on with it now and play some good football for the Dragons. My immediate priority is to get my shoulder right and get back on the field to help my team-mates achieve this season.
- Dragons media release.
There will be announcement today at 12:30pm, on the steps at St George League Club
