Return of gaz

[league]

the latest from the telecrap:

Mark Gasnier the bargain Dragon

CHAMPION centre Mark Gasnier will return to St George Illawarra for the remainder of the NRL season at the bargain-basement price of $50,000, plus match payments.
The Dragons can only fit Gasnier into a second-tier cap designed for players outside the top 25 squad at each club - but his contract will be dramatically upgraded to around $400,000 in 2011 and $550,000 in 2012 with the possible addition of third-party payments.

The fact he is even considering playing for just $50,000 this year is the best indication he is returning for the right reasons - to win a premiership at the Dragons - and not just to build his bank balance.
http://forums.leagueunlimited.com/#sidebar-start


On top of the $50,000 sign-on, the Dragons would pay him $4000 a game.

As excitement builds in the St George Shire and in Wollongong, Gasnier, 28, yesterday confirmed he is keen on an NRL comeback and said he would make an announcement "in good time".

Gasnier has returned to Sydney to be with his wife, Claudine, and her father, who has been diagnosed with cancer.

"I'll be able to talk about [my football future] soon," Gasnier said yesterday.

"Now isn't the right time. It's been good to get back, but obviously it's been under difficult circumstances."

St George Illawarra CEO Peter Doust said the Dragons were obviously keen to secure the services of their local junior and former captain.

"We have always said that we would be interested in having Mark back at the Dragons if he was ever to return to the NRL," Doust said.

"We have had discussions with his manager George Mimis and the NRL about the details of his possible return given his contract in France was finishing. It is a very complicated negotiation, the details of which have to remain commercially in confidence.

"Mark left our club on good terms and, as such, he agreed to a clause in his deed of release at that time about returning to the Dragons if he came back to the NRL, and we have always kept in contact with him since he left.

"In saying all this, however, an athlete of Mark's status and experience commands significant salary expectations and we are aware that he is attracting interest from several NRL and rugby union clubs."

Australian Rugby Union officials do not appear concerned about Gasnier turning his back on an opportunity to play for the Melbourne Rebels in the Super 15s, where he would have partnered Stirling Mortlock in the centres in a high-profile backline to launch the new franchise in Victoria."We've had no contact at all with Mark Gasnier's manager for over a week," spokesman Peter Jenkins said.

"We're quite comfortable with any decision he reaches."

Gasnier was guaranteed only $220,000 a season to play for the Rebels and would have to play in every Test for the Wallabies to make over the $400,000 mark.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...e-bargain-dragon/story-e6frexnr-1225865275213

 

[Firey_Dragon]

Saffy gone on ~$125,000/year
Priddis gone on ~$180,000/year

That's already paid for his alleged salary in year 2. The squad depth we have, and albeit with some very cheap players it's alot easier to have a strong side and still fit Gasnier in.

I can see we have room, but I doubt whether it is still enough cash to make it a done deal.

 

[Southernsaint]

I feel sorry for the winger that plays outside him and is made to look like a defensive liability when The Gaz goes walkabout.

But it'll be good to have his explosive attacking prowess in a backline that has looked bereft of ideas over the last few seasons...

 

[Slackboy72]

Linky Link to SMH

Dragons make Gasnier an offer: a little now, much more later
BRAD WALTER, JOSH RAKIC AND GREG PRICHARD
May 12, 2010
FORMER St George Illawarra captain Mark Gasnier is set to be offered a minimal contract for the remainder of this season and back-ended payments over the next two years to return to the club he quit in 2008.

The bid comes just a week after Gasnier's manager, George Mimis, advised Australian Rugby Union officials the former Test centre wanted to put negotiations on hold for two weeks to consider his future.

It is understood that Gasnier, whose contract with Paris-based rugby union club Stade Francais is due to expire, has been considering his career options after football and had instructed Mimis to investigate whether there were any opportunities for a return to the NRL.

Gasnier was contracted to Channel Nine before his sudden departure from the game, when he was left out of pocket by the collapse of a number of third-party deals and worked either as a commentator or on The Footy Show or Sunday Roast programs.

Channel Nine head of sport Steve Crawley told the Herald yesterday that the network was more than happy with Gasnier's efforts and would be willing to consider him for a future role. But he said he was not aware of any talks at this stage.

It had been expected that Gasnier would return to Australia after his stint in France's Top 14 rugby competition and link with either the Melbourne Rebels or Queensland Reds in a bid to break into the Wallabies side for next year's World Cup.

Mimis, who is understood to have yesterday received a call from the ARU inquiring about Gasnier's intentions, said his client was considering playing rugby union but was also interested in returning to the NRL.

''Up until a week ago we were pursuing interest for Mark in the world of rugby, but then he said to me, 'Can we please explore whether there were any opportunities that might be viable for him in the NRL','' Mimis said. ''I'm not sure what the outcome of that will be, it might not yield anything. But this isn't just a decision about football, it's about the rest of his life.''

A major problem for the Dragons' hopes of luring Gasnier back is that under NRL salary cap rules his value would be determined by multiplying the amount he is paid for each match by the number of games he played for Stade Francais last season.

However, St George Illawarra chief executive Peter Doust indicated that Gasnier could be offered a small contract for this season and larger payments over the next two years to fit him in under the salary cap.

''Mark is obviously looking at his next career move, having made some significant ones in recent times,'' Doust said. ''But in saying that the salary cap can be managed and in complying with the regulations in the NRL we have been in contact with them as well so we are pretty positive we can come up with a plan over a couple of years, maybe three years, that can see him back at the Dragons as soon as possible.''

Despite Gasnier's departure, Doust has remained in touch with him and attended his wedding last year. ''As I understand it Mark has a firm interest in returning to play rugby league,'' Doust said. ''I think his passion is rugby league, his involvement in the game and how he sees the game these days are his priorities going forward so he is keen to come back.

''We have had some discussions with his management for some months now … and knowing his interest we are doing what we can to see if we can make it all work because we believe the Dragons is his priority.''

Dragons coach Wayne Bennett refused to comment on the Gasnier situation ahead of the club finalising an agreement with the player, but sources close to him say he was excited about the prospect of coaching the star centre.

 

[SIR LANCELOT]

Bennett and Dragon management have been sitting on the Gasnier situation for quiet some time.I believe that they have had a plan to hatch a Gasnier deal. It sticks out like dogs b---s.

LANCELOT

 

[Ronnie Dobbs]

I've got the same concerns as Ulysses. The thing I love about us now is our commitment to defence. We are scoring points through structure, so I just hope that Gasnier learns his role and sticks to it. If the right can replicate what the left edge has been doing in regards to shape, then he Smith / Scott & Nighty could have a field day, but he needs to be just a part of that machine.

I believe that he'll get the required coaching this time around if he gets to the club. Its exciting, but I have my worries that he could f**k up our balance.

 

[emack]

Well said Mr Dobbs! I agree 100% and have the same concerns about team chemistry...........I guess it all comes down to "In Wayne We Trust!!!!!!"

 

[LOYAL DRAGON]

So We got Gas Back, where there goes Josh and I thought we learned our lesson, this year its ok, the next is 400k and the third is 550k lot of money thrown again but I do like the name Gasnier to stay at saints, cant win

CHAMPION centre Mark Gasnier will return to St George Illawarra for the remainder of the NRL season at the bargain-basement price of $50,000, plus match payments. The Dragons can only fit Gasnier into a second-tier cap designed for players outside the top 25 squad at each club - but his contract will be dramatically upgraded to around $400,000 in 2011 and $550,000 in 2012 with the possible addition of third-party payments.

The fact he is even considering playing for just $50,000 this year is the best indication he is returning for the right reasons - to win a premiership at the Dragons - and not just to build his bank balance.


On top of the $50,000 sign-on, the Dragons would pay him $4000 a game.

As excitement builds in the St George Shire and in Wollongong, Gasnier, 28, yesterday confirmed he is keen on an NRL comeback and said he would make an announcement "in good time".Gasnier has returned to Sydney to be with his wife, Claudine, and her father, who has been diagnosed with cancer.

"I'll be able to talk about [my football future] soon," Gasnier said yesterday.

"Now isn't the right time. It's been good to get back, but obviously it's been under difficult circumstances."

St George Illawarra CEO Peter Doust said the Dragons were obviously keen to secure the services of their local junior and former captain.

"We have always said that we would be interested in having Mark back at the Dragons if he was ever to return to the NRL," Doust said.

"We have had discussions with his manager George Mimis and the NRL about the details of his possible return given his contract in France was finishing. It is a very complicated negotiation, the details of which have to remain commercially in confidence.

"Mark left our club on good terms and, as such, he agreed to a clause in his deed of release at that time about returning to the Dragons if he came back to the NRL, and we have always kept in contact with him since he left.

"In saying all this, however, an athlete of Mark's status and experience commands significant salary expectations and we are aware that he is attracting interest from several NRL and rugby union clubs."

Australian Rugby Union officials do not appear concerned about Gasnier turning his back on an opportunity to play for the Melbourne Rebels in the Super 15s, where he would have partnered Stirling Mortlock in the centres in a high-profile backline to launch the new franchise in Victoria."We've had no contact at all with Mark Gasnier's manager for over a week," spokesman Peter Jenkins said.

"We're quite comfortable with any decision he reaches."

Gasnier was guaranteed only $220,000 a season to play for the Rebels and would have to play in every Test for the Wallabies to make over the $400,000 mark.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...e-bargain-dragon/story-e6frexnr-1225865275213

 

[LOYAL DRAGON]

FORMER Dragons captain Mark Coyne and Immortal John Raper yesterday urged the club to boomerang Mark Gasnier back into the red V - declaring the champion centre the missing X-factor in the club's premiership quest. While St George Illawarra coach Wayne Bennett declined to comment on Gasnier's pending return, Coyne, Raper and fellow former Dragons Wendell Sailor and Paul McGregor led a chorus of support for the move.

"It will be great for rugby league to have Gaz back and there's only one place for him - at the Dragons," Coyne said. "His name is synonymous with not just rugby league but the Dragons."

Coyne said that while the club had to be careful against disrupting momentum, Gasnier could make the vital difference to the Dragons' premiership charge this season.

"You have to be careful, particularly if they sign him and have to let some players go, but I think they should definitely be doing their utmost to get him back at the club," Coyne said.


"I think the Dragons do lack that player who can break open a match, and Gasnier has got that in spades.

"He's the sort of guy that if you're looking for some points to be scored you can throw him the ball and you know that some are going to come.

"He would be a great asset for the Dragons leading to the finals.

"Not so good for Queensland, so I wouldn't like to see him get picked to play Origin, but it's great he wants to come back. I had no inkling he was looking to come back."

Dragons legend Raper said the name Gasnier on a rugby league jumper again would warm the hearts of fans everywhere, but especially in the St George Shire and in Wollongong.

"It's great to see him back and the Dragons will have him back," Raper said. "The name Gasnier is really magic and it will be great to see it return to the game."

Sailor said his mail was that the Dragons could successfully fit Gasnier under the salary cap, so he could see no reason why the game-breaking centre won't return to the club.

"It's very exciting for Dragons fans, that's for sure," Sailor said.

McGregor said Gasnier was the class of player who could tip the big games in the Dragons' favour. "It's a question of whether they can afford him, but he is probably the player they have missed in important games where they do everything right and just need that guy who can do something really special," McGregor said.

St George Illawarra utility Matt Prior was the only current player to comment during a press conference at WIN Stadium yesterday.

"We only just got told this morning so I don't think we've had time for it to sink in, but obviously it would be really good for the club," he said.

Coyne said Gasnier's return sent a clear signal to league players that chasing the money in other codes was not always the best move.

"Reading between the lines, Gaz clearly hasn't enjoyed the game of rugby," Coyne said. "That has already been shown by the likes of Wendell and Mat Rogers and Lote all coming back and virtually saying that league is a better game to play."

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...gic-into-dragons/story-e6frexnr-1225865275429

 

[Slackboy72]

.....I guess it all comes down to "In Wayne We Trust!!!!!!"

Well look what the 'Bennett touch' has done for Costigan, Weyman, Boyd, Scott, Priddis, Fien, etc.
Imagine what he can do with a fully fit Gasnier...

 

[muzby]

i'm sure i'll get shot down for this... but hey..

gents, we are all excited about the return of the prodigal son, however do we really need 10 different threads about him? you don't need to start one every time you have a brain fart..

anyway..

 

[Willow]

Newcastle are a huge chance

Only if Saints agree.

Clause time.

Knights are no hope..

That too. ;-)

 

[dclayw]

Too many people here with an aversion to risk. There is some minimal risk in taking Gasnier on but I'm certain all of those issues can be ironed out by Bennett. Do you think Bennett doesn't know the risks? It looks like he's prepared to take them on so if it happens let's jump on board and enjoy the ride.

I believe Gasnier will add far more to the team then he takes away, the only negative for me is that someone will lose a starting spot, but it's all for the good of the team. Injuries often mean not everyone is always available anyway, so it's a minor issue really and let's face it, a nice position to be in.

We have not won a premiership for 30 years. What the hell have we got to lose.

 

[Divine]

Well its all speculation until the Friday press conference.

 

[SilentAssassin]

Well its all speculation until the Friday press conference.

:lol:

 

[Anth2232]

I love Friday Press Conferences.....

 

[saint-colesy]

We had several players who were sh*t under browny, in both attack and defence that are now great under Bennett.

Bennett will cure his defence issues.

 

[Simo]

2012 isn't it? Assuming they don't release him beforehand.

If I was to make a prediction, Gaz will sign with us for the remainder of this year for next to nicks. It will only be for the short term but he will prove to be a great asset. Next year he will link up with the Melbourne Rebels for megabucks. Josh will sign with us in time for 2012. How's that crystal ball? ;-)

Willow as a Saints fan whos opinion I respect, give me your honest thoughts on the above situation, would you as a Dragons fan approve of that?

Me, as a League fan would see that as an absolute disgrace and insult on the game (play 1/2 year then piss of to union again), I would hope the Dragons dont give him the chance to win a 6 month premiership and then defect again and even the NRL to step in somehow if they try to sign him for just a 6 month contract.

He either commits to beyond this year or stays away in my opinion.

 

[ME SO HORNBY!]

Willow as a Saints fan whos opinion I respect, give me your honest thoughts on the above situation, would you as a Dragons fan approve of that?

Me, as a League fan would see that as an absolute disgrace and insult on the game (play 1/2 year then piss of to union again), I would hope the Dragons dont give him the chance to win a 6 month premiership and then defect again and even the NRL to step in somehow if they try to sign him for just a 6 month contract.

He either commits to beyond this year or stays away in my opinion.

If he came back for 6 months and proved to be the difference between winning the Grand Final and not (e.g. scores 2 tries and sets up another on GF day etc) would anyone on here really be bothered if he then f**ked off back to Union. I know i wouldnt.

 

[mighty v]

Gasnier aggreed to return to us for 2010 for $50 000 plus match payments



f**k ME FIRE UP !!

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/mark-gasnier-the-bargain-dragon/story-e6frfgbo-1225865275213