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Sydney Roosters join race to sign former Dragons centre Mark Gasnier
By Dean Ritchie
May 17, 2010
Sydney Roosters have joined St George Illawarra and Newcastle Knights in the chase for former Test centre Mark Gasnier.
There are also suggestions Manly and Cronulla have spoken privately about attempting to sign Gasnier, who will return to the NRL after a stint in French rugby.
Gasnier's manager George Mimis admitted that a number of NRL clubs were chasing his star client.
But provided St George Ilawarra can arrange and finalise some third-party deals, it would appear Gasnier will head back to the Dragons for the rest of this season.
If, however, those deals fall over, there are clubs queueing to sign the former New South Wales centre.
"There have been a number of expressions of interest in pursuing Mark should the Dragons deal not eventuate," Mimis said.
"But the Dragons are our primary focus right now."
Asked were the Roosters and Manly interested in Gasnier, Mimis said: "Yes, there are a number, including those clubs."
The Dragons had a clause inserted in Gasnier's early release prohibiting him from playing with any other NRL club before 2012. But Saints officials may ignore that if financially compensated.
Roosters chief executive Steve Noyce confirmed his club had discussed signing Gasnier.
"We were just seeing what the lay of the land was," Noyce said. "His name came up some time ago. If I was a betting man, I would suggest he is going to St George Illawarra. Peter O'Sullivan (Roosters recruitment manager) is often putting our club out there to see if players would like to join us."
Cronulla chief executive Richard Fisk was reluctant to discuss whether his club wanted Gasnier, but did admit: "The three-quarters is an area we have identified as wanting to strengthen."
Manly chief executive Graham Lowe could not be contacted but the Sea Eagles' interest in Gasnier is minimal.
Some are questioning how the Dragons will squeeze Gasnier into their salary cap.
But Gasnier's deal will be back-ended and he is prepared to take less money to return to the NRL and play with his old teammates.
St George Illawarra have offered Gasnier a second-tier deal worth $50,000 plus match payments for the rest of this season.
The fact Gasnier all but turned away a Wallabies jumper - and the chance of becoming a dual international - shows how keen he is to play rugby league again.
NRL chief operating officer Graham Annesley said salary cap auditor Ian Schubert was across the Dragons' offer for Gasnier.
"Back-ended contracts aren't uncommon," Annesley said.
"We would have no problem with it as long as they stay under the salary cap."
The NRL will have to give final approval for Gasnier to sign with the Dragons, but there is little chance it would do anything to block the return of a true superstar to the code.
It is understood Mimis will meet this week with Knights officials, who are hell-bent on making Gasnier a massive offer.
Newcastle have some spare cash after losing forwards Chris Houston and Danny Wicks. With eight players coming off contract, Newcastle have plenty of money to throw at Gasnier.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/sydney-roosters-join-chase-for-former-dragons-star-mark-gasnier/story-e6frexnr-1225867465574
W. T. F. !!!:roll:
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