View source for Mark Gasnier

{{Short description|Australia international rugby league footballer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Use Australian English|date=June 2013}}
{{Infobox rugby league biography
|name     = Mark Gasnier
|fullname       = Mark Gasnier
|nickname       = Gaz
|image          = Mark Gasnier Sydney.jpg
|imagesize      = 130
|position       = {{rlp|CE|FE}}
|birth_date     = {{birth date and age|1981|7|19|df=y}}
|birth_place    = [[Sydney]], [[New South Wales]], Australia
|height         = {{convert|193|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}
|weight         = {{convert|100|kg|stlb|abbr=on}}
|retired = yes
|club1          = [[St. George Illawarra Dragons|St. George Illawarra]]
|year1start     = 2000
|year1end       = 08
|appearances1   = 141
|tries1         = 81
|goals1         = 26
|fieldgoals1    = 0
|points1        = 376
|club2          = [[St. George Illawarra Dragons|St. George Illawarra]]
|year2start     = 2010
|year2end       = 11
|appearances2   = 34
|tries2         = 11
|goals2         = 0
|fieldgoals2    = 0
|points2        = 44
|teamA          = [[City New South Wales rugby league team|NSW City]]
|yearAstart     = 2001
|yearAend       = 03
|appearancesA   = 2
|triesA         = 1
|goalsA         = 0
|fieldgoalsA    = 0
|pointsA        = 4
|teamB          = [[New South Wales rugby league team|New South Wales]]
|yearBstart     = 2004
|yearBend       = 11
|appearancesB   = 12
|triesB         = 4
|goalsB         = 1
|fieldgoalsB    = 0
|pointsB        = 18
|teamC          = [[Australia national rugby league team|Australia]]
|yearCstart     = 2001
|yearCend       = 08
|appearancesC   = 15
|triesC         = 11
|goalsC         = 0
|fieldgoalsC    = 0
|pointsC        = 44
|ru_position    = [[Centre (rugby union)|Centre]], [[Wing (rugby union)|Wing]]
|ru_club1       = [[Stade Français]]
|ru_year1start  = 2008
|ru_year1end    = 10
|ru_appearances1= 26
|ru_tries1      = 10
|ru_goals1      = 1
|ru_fieldgoals1 = 0
|ru_points1     = 52
|source         = <ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090903122952/http://www.lequipe.fr/Rugby/joueurs/RugbyFicheJoueur11500000000005178.html l'equipe]</ref><ref>[http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/mark-gasnier/summary.html Rugby League Project]</ref>
|updated        = 4 March 2018
| module       = {{infobox person
| embed        = yes
| father       = 
| mother       = 
| spouse       = 
| education    = [[Peakhurst High School]]
| alma_mater   = 
| relatives    = [[Reg Gasnier]] (uncle)<br>[[Dennis Tutty]] (cousin)<br>[[Ian Tutty]] (cousin)
}}
}}

'''Mark Gasnier''' (born 19 July 1981) is an Australian former professional [[rugby league]] footballer who played in the 2000s and 2010s. A [[rugby league]] [[New South Wales rugby league team|New South Wales]] [[State of Origin series|State of Origin]] and [[Australia national rugby league team|international]] representative {{rlp|ce}}, he played eleven seasons in the [[National Rugby League]] with the [[St. George Illawarra Dragons]], punctuated by two seasons of [[rugby union]] played with the French club [[Stade Français]]. Gasnier was a member of the Dragons' NRL premiership-winning team in 2010. He retired at the end of the 2011 season. He is the nephew of the 1960s [[St George Dragons|St. George]] star [[Reg Gasnier]].

==Background==
Gasnier attended Peakhurst High School.{{citation needed|date=May 2023}}

==Professional playing career==
Gasnier played his junior rugby league in the St George District with the [[Mortdale, New South Wales|Mortdale]] based Renown United club. He toured New Zealand with the [[Australia national schoolboys rugby league team|Australian Schoolboys team]] in 1998 and played for them again in 1999.<ref>{{cite web|title=SportingPulse Homepage for Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League|url=http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=7-2130-0-0-0&sID=26424|access-date=10 October 2008| publisher=SportingPulse}}</ref>

Gasnier made his first Grade début for the [[St. George Illawarra Dragons]] in round 8 of the 2000 season against the [[Newcastle Knights]]. He made his first grade début having just played for the Dragons in the preceding [[NSWRL Premier League]] game.{{citation needed|date=August 2017}} He made his international début in a 2001 test against the [[Papua New Guinea national rugby league team|PNG Kumuls]], and scored a try on début.

In 2004, Gasnier was selected to make his State of Origin debut in Game 1 for New South Wales. Whilst in origin camp on a drunken bonding session with teammates, Gasnier left a lewd voice message on a woman’s phone. It said “[Woman's name], where the f--k are you? There's four toey humans in the cab. It's 20 to four, our c--ks are fat and f-----g ready to spurt sauce and you're in bed. F--k me, fire up you sad c--t." Gasnier was dropped from the NSW squad and subsequently fined and suspended from his NRL club. Gasnier was recalled for the deciding game 3 in the State of Origin series, scoring 2 tries on debut and winning the series.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=The Sydney Morning Herald|title=Blues sent home as Gasnier is sacked|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/blues-sent-home-as-gasnier-is-sacked-20040521-gdiyx9.html
|date=21 May 2004 }}</ref>

After winning Dally M Centre of the Year in 2005, he signed a new one-year contract, with further one year options for the next four years with the St George Illawarra Dragons. Again Gasnier won the Dally M Centre of the Year.

In early 2007 it was announced that Mark Gasnier, [[Ben Hornby]] and [[Jason Ryles]] would captain St George Illawarra. Controversially, given his reputation as centre, Gasnier was moved to {{rlp|FE}} for the Dragons following [[Trent Barrett]]'s move to the Wigan Warriors.{{citation needed|date=August 2017}} However, Gasnier tore his pectoral muscle tackling [[Nigel Vagana]] in the [[Rugby League Charity Shield (Australia)|Charity Shield]] pre-season trial and was unable to play again until July. On 21 July, Gasnier made his long-awaited return to the Dragons, in the five-eighth position, with his team winning 38–20 against the Penrith Panthers. Despite Gasnier's shortened season, he was selected for the [[Australia national rugby league team|Australian Kangaroos]] in October to play the [[New Zealand national rugby league team|New Zealand Kiwis]] in [[Wellington]]. Gasnier spent 24 minutes on the field before being knocked out by a [[Steve Matai]] high tackle. Suffering from concussion, Gasnier was unable to participate further in the game.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=Fox Sports News|title=No hard feelings over head-hunt|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,22592409-23214,00.html
|access-date=22 October 2007|date=16 October 2007}}</ref>
[[File:Mark Gasnier.JPG|thumb|left|Gasnier playing for the Dragons in 2008]]
Gasnier was named sole captain of the Dragons for the 2008 season. He paired up with [[Matt Cooper (rugby league)|Matt Cooper]] in the centres. Gasnier was selected to play for Australia on 9 May and scored the first two tries. He was selected for Origin I against the Maroons, and helped set up five tries. He was also picked for Origin II despite carrying an injury, but was unable to play the third game. In July, Gasnier reported that he would switch to rugby union at the end of the season to link up with French club [[Stade Français]]. Gasnier played his final game for the Dragons against the [[Manly Sea Eagles]] at [[Brookvale Oval|Brookvale]] in the 3rd Qualifying Final, scoring the Dragons' only points.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

=== Rugby union stint===
Gasnier joined French rugby union club Stade Français from October 2008 on a two-year deal worth approximately [[Euro|€]]300,000 a season. At the Paris club, he was coached by former [[NSW Waratahs]] coach [[Ewen McKenzie]].<ref>Wald, Tom. (14 July 2008) [http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,24019246-23217,00.html I am not pillaging NRL – McKenzie]. Foxsports.com.au. Retrieved on 2013-01-06.</ref> For his début with Stade Français on 26 September 2008, Gasnier played right wing and ran in for a try, finishing off a fine display of passing rugby by the Stade backs, against [[CS Bourgoin-Jallieu|Bourgoin-Jallieu]] at the [[Stade des Alpes]] in [[Grenoble]] before getting injured. On 24 January 2009 he scored the decisive try in a [[Heineken Cup]] victory over [[Ulster Rugby|Ulster]].<ref>[https://www.irishtimes.com/sports/rugby/2009/0124/1224239923923.html Ulster show plenty of heart in Paris defeat]. Irishtimes.com (24 January 2009). Retrieved on 2013-01-06.</ref> Gasnier also scored a brilliant solo try beating eight defenders in a 30-metre run to the line in Stade Français' 23–18 victory over French rivals [[SC Albi]]geois at the [[Stade Jean-Bouin (Paris)|Stade Jean Bouin]] in Paris on 5 November 2009. He is known as "Les Gaz!" by the fans.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-sport/gasnier-shows-french-a-touch-of-magic-20091106-i18c.html| location=Melbourne| work=The Age| first=Steve| last=Jancetic| title=Gasnier shows French a touch of magic| date=2009-11-06}}</ref>

Gasnier continued his prolific 2009–10 season by scoring his 6th try of the campaign against [[Aviron Bayonnais|Bayonne]] in round 15 in front of more than 70,000 fans at the [[Stade de France]] in Paris. This made him the Top 14's leading try scorer and he continued to impress after switching codes.<ref>[http://www.heavensgame.com/competitions/french-top-14/top-14-round-15-review-racing-keep-winning-ways-going-and-plenty-more.html Heavensgame.com]. Heavensgame.com. Retrieved on 2013-01-06. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140813134325/http://www.heavensgame.com/competitions/french-top-14/top-14-round-15-review-racing-keep-winning-ways-going-and-plenty-more.html|date=13 August 2014 }}</ref> In April–May 2010 Gasnier was reportedly talking with coach [[Rod Macqueen]] about the possibility of Gasnier signing with the [[Melbourne Rebels]] for the team's début in the expanded [[Super Rugby|Super 14]].<ref>{{cite news| last = Paxinos| first = Stathi
|author2=Morton, Jim
| newspaper = [[The Age]]
| date = 2010-05-17
| title = Brumbies' Huxley signs for Rebels
| url=https://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/stars-folau-and-gasnier-not-crucial-to-rebels-plans-says-ceo-20100516-v6gj.html
| access-date = 2010-05-20
 }}</ref>

=== Return to rugby league ===
It was announced in June 2010 that Gasnier was intending to return to rugby league following the expiration of his rugby union contract. This was confirmed when he signed a {{frac|4|1|2}}-year deal with former club St George Illawarra.<ref>[http://www.dragons.com.au/default.aspx?s=article-display&id=27262&title=gasnier-joins-dragons News & Video] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100629214627/http://www.dragons.com.au/default.aspx?s=article-display&id=27262&title=gasnier-joins-dragons |date=29 June 2010 }}. Dragons.com.au. Retrieved on 2013-01-06.</ref>

Gasnier made his comeback for the Dragons against the [[Penrith Panthers]] but the Dragons lost 12–8. His second match however was more of a success, as he scored the match winning try for the Dragons as they defeated the [[South Sydney Rabbitohs]] 16–13. He went on to play for the Dragons' in the [[2010 NRL Grand Final]], scoring the first try of the match to help the joint-venture club beat the [[Sydney Roosters]] and claim its first premiership.
[[File:MarksGasniertrainingduringWCC2011.JPG|thumb|right|Gasnier in 2011]]
Gasnier participated in the Dragons' [[2011 World Club Challenge]] and [[Charity Shield (NRL)|Charity Shield]] wins.

His good form led to him being selected to join the New South Wales team again for the [[2011 State of Origin series]]. He played all three matches.

On 14 July, he formally announced his retirement from professional rugby league.<ref name="Mark Gasnier's Career">{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/photogallery/rugby-league/league-news/mark-gasniers-career-20110714-1hf2u.html|title=Mark Gasnier's Career=''SMH''|date=2011-07-20| work=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref><ref>[http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/exclusive-st-george-illawarra-and-nsw-centre-mark-gasnier-to-retire-at-seasons-end/story-e6frexnr-1226094397696 Mark Gasnier tells Dragons he's retiring, Kevin Moore tells Bulldogs he's quitting| thetelegraph.com.au]. Dailytelegraph.com.au (14 July 2011). Retrieved on 2013-01-06.</ref> He finished his career in a semi-final clash at Suncorp Stadium against the [[Brisbane Broncos]], with St. George Illawarra losing 13–12, after a [[Darren Lockyer]] field goal in extra time.<ref name="Mark Gasnier's Rugby League Career">{{cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/galleries/gallery-fn5fbpok-1226094687605|title=Mark Gasnier's Rugby League Career=''Fox Sports''|date=2011-07-21|work=Fox Sports|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811035854/http://www.foxsports.com.au/galleries/gallery-fn5fbpok-1226094687605|archive-date=11 August 2011}}</ref> He then went on to work as a commentator with [[Fox League]]. On 28 November 2024, it was announced that Gasnier had joined the [[Parramatta Eels|Parramatta]] coaching staff.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2024-parramatta-eels-hire-mark-gasnier-has-assistant-coach-jason-ryles-offseason-central-rugby-league-news/news-story/37bd1a509199100b4cd6c3ae4ec7545e/|title=Ryles’ Eels shake-up continues as shock coaching hire revealed|website=www.foxsports.com.au}}</ref>

==Accolades==
On 20 July 2022, Gasnier was named in the St. George Dragons District Rugby League Clubs team of the century at centre.  The selection caused some controversy as Gasnier had never played for the [[St. George Dragons]] club.  Although many consider St. George and St. George Illawarra to be the same club, the NRL has stated that both clubs are separate entities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2022/07/20/gasnier-joins-immortals-in-st-george-dragons-team-of-the-century/|title=Gasnier joins Immortals in St George Dragons 'Team of the Century'|website=nrl.com|date=20 July 2022 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of players who have converted from one football code to another]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
*[http://www.stade.fr/club/joueur/view/452 Stade Français profile] {{in lang|fr}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20071024200738/http://www.stateoforigin.com.au/SOOgame/PlayerDetails.aspx?Pid=422 State of Origin Official website Rugby League Player Stats]
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport/hi/english/static/in_depth/rugby_league/2001/ashes/gasnier.stm 2001 Ashes profile]
<!-- *[http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200605/s1647105.htm "ABC Sport" – Gasnier commits to league] -->

{{St. George Illawarra Dragons squad - 2010 NRL Premiers}}
{{St. George Illawarra Dragons - 2011 World Club Challenge winners}}
{{2001 Kangaroo Tour squad}}
{{Australia 2005 Rugby League Tri Nations squad}}
{{Australia 2006 Rugby League Tri Nations squad}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gasnier, Mark}}
[[Category:1981 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:21st-century Australian sportsmen]]
[[Category:Australia national rugby league team players]]
[[Category:Australian expatriate rugby union players in France]]
[[Category:Australian rugby league players]]
[[Category:Australian rugby union players]]
[[Category:Footballers who switched code]]
[[Category:New South Wales City Origin rugby league team players]]
[[Category:New South Wales Rugby League State of Origin players]]
[[Category:Prime Minister's XIII captains]]
[[Category:Prime Minister's XIII players]]
[[Category:Rugby league centres]]
[[Category:Rugby league players from Sydney]]
[[Category:Rugby union centres]]
[[Category:St. George Illawarra Dragons players]]
[[Category:Stade Français Paris players]]
[[Category:St. George Illawarra Dragons captains]]