Rugby League Live

The rugby league world rallied yesterday to give Jack Gibson an appropriate farewell.

This was a great man, who inspired so many people, and the cross section of people on hand at yesterday’s funeral service was evidence of the wide ranging influence and friendships he had.

Thankfully the memories we all have of Jack Gibson will keep him alive forever.

Meanwhile, I notice Matt Cooper says his re-signing with St.George-Illawarra for another three years will hopefully have sway with Mark Gasnier as he decides whether to head over the France to play rugby union.

Now surely Gasnier’s decision should have nothing to do with Matt Cooper. Surely it should have everything to do with the fact he still has three and a half years of his contract with the Dragons remaining.

This is what I don’t understand about rugby league at the moment: why on earth isn’t the Dragons chief executive Peter Doust coming out and saying that there’s no way in the world the club will release Mark Gasnier, and that he will honour his contract, end of story.

Gasnier would then have to get on with it, or not play anything.

Most rugby league clubs these days are so lily-livered that they won’t stand up to any player. This is one of the reasons test coach Ricky Stuart told me on 2GB last Sunday night that rugby league isn’t fun in 2008.

Stuart said the only loyalty in the sport at the moment comes from the fans. Contracts don’t mean anything, and if clubs don’t go chasing players well before their deal is up then they are behind the eight-ball.

Mark Gasnier should be told in no uncertain terms that the only way he’ll be going to France is for a holiday, because there’s no way in the world he’ll be getting released.

What do you reckon Jack Gibson would do? He certainly wouldn’t just let him run off with three and a half years remaining on a contract. He may let him play some reserve grade for a while though for even considering it.

Most rugby league clubs these days are so lily-livered that they won’t stand up to any player.

Andrew Moore

Comments

14/05/2008 11:30:53 PM I agree with Andy Moore. Players talk abt loyalty and waga waga, then when a better offer comes along they say well, i need to do this for me. Yes i agree that players need to do what is best for them, that is why you negotiate at the beginning of a contract and not in the middle. Gaz should stay because he has red and white running through his veins and he has a contract and an obligation to stay. Players need to have a good hard look at themselves before blaming anyone else. That will do me. Posted by: Peter , Campsie, Australia Reply

15/05/2008 1:11:30 AM L-O-Y-A-L-T-Y revised player meaning $-$-$-$-$-$-$, or to quote the great? Mal Meninga "I don't owe the game anything" before signing with $uperleague. Posted by: Anthony Egan, St Helens Park, Australia Reply

18/05/2008 3:20:42 AM As a Dragons fan, I'd hate to see Gasnier leave, but as sad as it may be, loyalty has no place in the modern game. Loyalty is a two way street and no club can claim loyalty to their players. Just look at Thompson's departure from the Dragons. Posted by: Melanie Wallace, Brisbane, Australia Reply

Dragons crazy to allow Gasnier's France move

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