Jason Ryles has made a bold decision by bringing Mark Gasnier back from the rugby league wilderness, rekindling a partnership that once led the St. George Illawarra Dragons to success. This move comes as part of Ryles’ efforts to strengthen the team and harness Gasnier’s exceptional talent and experience, which had been sidelined for some time.
The pairing of Ryles and Gasnier was legendary, with their synergy on the field earning them both the St. George Illawarra Player of the Year award in 2006. Now, as Ryles takes the reins in a coaching capacity, he is keen to leverage Gasnier’s knowledge to benefit the current roster.
Gasnier’s return signals a revitalization of the Dragons’ spirit, blending seasoned leadership with fresh ambition. Ryles, having coached alongside Gasnier during their playing days, believes that this reunion could spark a resurgence for the club, with Gasnier expected to play a pivotal role in mentoring young players and elevating team dynamics .