Dragons return for Gasnier

Mark Gasnier has revealed that it was always his intention to return to St George Illawarra, after signing a four and a half year deal with the Dragons.

And Gasnier, who left the club to join French Rugby Union side Stade Francais in 2008, says his time in Europe has made him hungrier than ever to win a NRL title with the joint venture club.

“The last two years have been great, I’ve learnt a lot both on and off the field and I think living overseas, especially in Europe teaches you a lot,” said Gasnier.

“But whilst you are away from friends and family you have a lot of time to think and when your thinking about the back end of your career you set your priorities differently and winning a competition here at the Dragons is definitely one thing I would like to achieve.”

“I always wanted to come back to the Dragons and from the start I’ve been honest with Peter (Doust) and had numerous conversations with Wayne (Bennett) and as long as a deal could be done then I was always going to be back in the red and white,” he added.

The 28-year-old debut for the Dragons in 2000 and hopes to improve on his 141 games and 376 points with the club.

Dragons Coach Wayne Bennett said he was excited about being able to Coach a player of Gasnier’s quality and was also unsure as to when he would make his return in the NRL.

“I’m happy for the Dragons to have him back at the Club,” Bennett said.

“I’m also happy for him that he is returning to his junior Club and will be able to contribute in a positive way for the Dragons.

“In relation to him returning I haven’t made a decision on that as I’ll need to assess him at training and obviously what best suits the team,” he added.