League legend Reg Gasnier passes away

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THE rugby league world is mourning the loss of legend Reg Gasnier, who has passed away just one day short of his 75th birthday.

The former St George Dragons centre died in the Miranda nursing home where he has lived for several years.

He played 39 Test matches for Australia, scoring 28 tries and 127 matches for the Dragons during their world record 11-straight premierships.

John Raper and Reg Gasnier (R) embrace after defeating Wests in 1963 grand final. Source: News Corp Australia

Reg Gasnier playing for Australia during 1963 Kangaroo Tour of England. Source: News Corp Australia

Team of the Century. (back L-R) Wally Lewis, Bob Fulton, John Raper, Mal Menninga (front L-R) Reg Gasnier, Norm Provan, Ron Coote, Noel Kelly, Graeme Langlands and Andrew Johns. Source: News Limited

Gasnier was known as the Prince of Centres, an absolutely brilliant attacking player.

He was the uncle of recently retired Dragons star Mark Gasnier.

Dragons team mate, fellow Immortal and friend Johnny Raper was devastated by the news.

"It's a very, very sad day," Raper said. "I went and saw him last Tuesday.

"He didn't look the best, but he was a fighter like he always was on the football field and I thought he'd get better.

John Raper, Graeme Langlands and Reg Gasnier. Source: News Limited

St George and Australian rugby league legend Reg Gasnier with a bronze statue of himself unveiled at the SCG. Source: News Limited

"He was just a phenomenal player – the best I played with.

"He used to just say give me the ball, we'd give it to him … and he'd score.

"He was a rare genius. I saw Clive Churchill play and always wanted to play with someone as good as him."

"I think I did that by playing alongside Reg Gasnier."

Reg Gasnier in the 1965 St George premiership team. Source: News Corp Australia

Early 1960s photo of Reg Gasnier (ball). Source: News Corp Australia

Raper remained close to Gasnier after their playing days, with the pair enjoying great times and memories in retirement.

"He was an ornament to the game," Raper said. "A man who led by example and was a great captain.

"Away from football he was a great man. A wonderful citizen. We will miss him dearly."

Centers of the Century Mal Meninga and Reg Gasnier. Source: News Limited

Gasnier had been ill for a number of years after suffering a stroke.

Until recent years, he attended functions and reunions and would often help the Dragons with promotional work.

He was a St George junior who grew up in Mortdale and was awarded an AM not long after retirement when he took on roles in the media.

League great Reg Gasnier. Source: News Limited

He was also named as a centre in the Australian Rugby League's Team of the Century.

Fellow immortal Bob Fulton was devastated to learn of his passing.

"He was my hero when I was used to come to Sydney and watch St George play at the Sydney Cricket Ground," Fulton said.

"I remember in 1967 we both got selected in a City side together but Reg was injured and had to pull out.

"It would have been a career highlight to play alongside him.

"To be selected as one of the original Immortals alongside him was a humbling experience."

Reg Gasnier for the Kangaroos. Source: News Limited

CLUB CAREER 1959-67

St George 1959-67, 125 games, 127 tries

Vs touring sides 1962-63, 2 games, 3 tries

Total: 127 games, 130 tries

REPRESENTATIVE CAREER 1959-67

City Firsts 1959-65, 5 games, 3 tries

Vs touring sides 1960-64, 3 games, 4 tries

NEW SOUTH WALES 1959-67

Vs Queensland 1959-67, 16 games, 13 tries

Vs touring sides 1959-67, 5 games, 4 tries

Total: 21 games, 17 tries

AUSTRALIA 1959-67

Tests and World Cup 1959-67, 39 games, 28 tries

Tour matches 1959-67, 38 games, 37 tries

Total: 77 games, 65 tries

GRAND TOTAL

All senior matches, 233 games, 219 tries

St George NRL player Mark Gasnier (L) his uncle Reg (C). Source: News Corp Australia

Reg Gasnier on the attack. Source: News Limited

HIGHLIGHTS:

* Gasnier captained Australia in eight Tests and was captain of the 1967-68 Kangaroos.

* He played third grade with St George in 1958 from junior club Renown United, and played first grade and Test football the following season. He played four games in reserve grade and then five in first grade before being chosen for NSW in 1959.

* Gasnier played President's Cup (junior representative) 1957-58.

* He scored three tries in his second Test against New Zealand, three tries in his first match on the 1959-60 Kangaroo tour and three in his Test debut against Great Britain.

Reg Gasnier pictured in 1975. Source: News Limited

* He played in six of St George's grand final winning sides (1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965).

* Former Sydney Sun sportswriter EE Christensen chose Gasnier as the NSW Player of the Year in 1959, 1961 and 1964 (with Johnny Raper).

* Injury ended Gasnier's career prematurely in France in 1968.

* With Clive Churchill, Johnny Raper and Bob Fulton, he was named as one the original "Immortals" in Rugby League Week in 1981.

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