NSW State of Origin centre Mark Gasnier could walk out on team to attend birth of first child
Exclusive by Andrew Webster From: The Daily Telegraph May 17, 2011 12:00AM
HE holds the key to the NSW backline, but Mark Gasnier has revealed he could walk out of the Blues side at any moment for the birth of his first child.
In a potential body blow to Ricky Stuart's aspirations of snatching the first game of the Origin series, the Dragons centre will choose baby ahead of Origin I against Queensland at Suncorp Stadium tomorrow week.
Gasnier's French wife Claudine is due to have their first child six days after the game, but he has already told NSW coach Stuart he will have no hesitation in leaving should she go into labour around the time of the game.
"It is 38 weeks tomorrow and the obstetrician says the baby could come at any time," Gasnier said.
"The baby definitely takes priority. Football is a very important thing in my life but you can't go past this.
"I've been waiting for this day for a while now. I'll be a very proud man. I always wanted to be a father. I just didn't know when it would happen."
Gasnier yesterday joined his first Origin camp since 2008 when he left the game to play French rugby after a contract dispute with the Dragons.
His selection has come ahead of Bulldogs superstar Jamal Idris, and was no doubt crucial in the selection of seven Dragons players in Stuart's side, including five-eighth Jamie Soward.
While Gasnier is adamant he will leave camp if necessary, he admitted he would be forced to play if Claudine goes into labour on the eve of the match.
"My baby is my priority but I'm praying she won't go into labour the night of the game or the night before because I won't be able to get a flight home," Gasnier said.
If Gasnier is forced to leave the camp, Idris the likely 18th man is expected to come into the side.
Gasnier's declaration is in stark contrast to that of new Blues captain Paul Gallen, who made it clear he would miss the birth of his second child earlier this month to play for Australia.
For Gasnier, a return to the Blues' line-up is something to savour.
When he returned from French rugby underweight and having spent 18 months away from the game, he talked about playing representative football again but it was a long way off becoming a reality.
There was also a belief that a black mark had been placed next to his name because of his decision to walk out mid-season and join a rival code.
"I haven't thought about that," Gasnier said. "I didn't know, and I still don't know, if people hold grudges. Life is too short to hold grudges ... you have to move on.
"That was one thing going overseas taught me."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/nsw-state-of-origin-centre-mark-gasnier-could-walk-out-on-team-to-attend-birth-of-first-child/story-e6frexv9-1226057028218
