AUSTRALIA'S struggling Wallabies want Mark Gasnier for their World Cup campaign in France and have launched top-secret $2million plans to sign rugby league's finest centre.
The Sunday Telegraph can today reveal the champion St George Illawarra centre is the top target in Wallabies coach Eddie Jones' recruitment plans and could earn almost $700,000 a season if he switches codes.
And Gasnier's manager George Mimis said last night the Kangaroo and Origin star would seriously consider switching codes when the time was right.
"At this stage Mark is committed to his club's finals campaign and we have not advanced any thoughts on his future beyond his commitments to the Dragons which take him to the end of next season," Mimis said.
"But Mark is a gifted athlete and footballer and we are yet to see the full impact of his abilities.
"Whilst he is dedicated to winning a premiership with the Dragons, he and I have discussed the prospect of playing rugby union at some stage in his career.
"His footwork, strength, speed and agility would translate spectacularly to union. The prospect of also representing Australia across both codes is an attraction as is the international nature of union.
"Mark would be excited at the challenges he would encounter should he decide to make such a move at some point." Gasnier refused to comment last night before going into the match against Wests Tigers.
"In due course, at a more opportune time, he will seriously consider the options available across both codes," Mimis said.
The Wallabies coach confirmed the interest from union. "If he became available we'd certainly be interested in him," Jones said.
But The Sunday Telegraph can reveal Gasnier has already been sounded out about crossing to union when his league contract expires at the end of next season. An ARU source said: "It's just been informal at this stage, nothing formal. But the interest is there. He's right at the top of rugby league in his position and he'd definitely make it."
St George Illawarra chief executive Peter Doust said he was hopeful the club could persuade Gasnier to remain in rugby league.
"Money isn't all that drives Gaz," Doust said.
"We stood our ground with Wigan a few years ago. Wigan offered him a lot more than we could to play in England. But he stayed.
"I'm not surprised union are interested because they don't have any decent players themselves.
"We'll be doing all we can to keep him at the club. We've spoken to him and his manager about extending his contract and those negotiations are ongoing."
The Wallabies could head to the World Cup in 2007 with four former Kangaroos: Lote Tuqiri, Mat Rogers, Wendell Sailor and Gasnier if successful in their latest raid.
Like Tuqiri in 2003, Gasnier would have a full Super 12 and domestic Test season, including the Tri-Nations, to prepare for a World Cup.
The ARU has shown in the past when it wants a high-profile league player, it rarely fails to seal a deal.
Had it backed the NSW Rugby Union's bid to sign Andrew Johns, he too might have been World Cup-bound in a Wallaby jersey.
Tuqiri, Rogers and Sailor were all made offers that salary-capped NRL clubs simply could not match. Sailor was first to defect, on a contract worth $650,000 a season.
Gasnier is viewed as the complete and ready-made product. His trademark acceleration from a standing start, his ability to break the line and try-scoring strike rate is what appeals to Jones.
His footwork and leg-speed are considered rare qualities that ensure he would make a successful transition if he switched codes. Rugby union backs have less space to work in due to the lack of a 10-metre rule and, with defences still on the improve, evasion skills in heavy traffic areas are vital.
The Sunday Telegraph
