Vale Reg Gasnier

Legendary player Reg Gasnier has passed away in his Miranda nursing home just one day short of his 75th birthday.

Gasnier who was known as the ‘Prince of centres’ was one of the first rugby league players to be regarded as an ‘Immortal’ alongside Johnny Raper, Clive Churchill and Bob Fulton.

Over the course of his career from 1959-1967, Gasnier played 125 first grade games for St George, scoring 127 tries and sharing in six grand final wins. Gasnier captained eight Tests for Australia, playing for the Kangaroos on a further 31 occasions.

Men of League Foundation Chairman Ron Coote said, “The whole rugby league community is mourning the loss of a talented player and a great bloke.

“He really was remarkable. The St George fans got it right when they called him ‘Puff the Magic Dragon.’ He could do things on the field that were out of the reach of most players.

“I was lucky enough to play with him during the 1967 Kangaroo tour to England. When I was a kid, I admired his fantastic effort and the many great tries he scored for St George, New South Wales and Australia. I was in awe. It was a thrill to join him on tour.

“In my opinion, he was the greatest player to play the game.” Gasnier’s long list of achievements includes his induction into the Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame, Australian rugby league’s Team of the Century and the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. The Men of League Foundation sends condolences from the whole rugby league family to his wife Maureen, son Peter and daughter Kellie, as well as his extended family that includes his nephew and Men of League Board Member Mark Gasnier.