By Ian McCullough AAP
Gasnier calls time on NRL career
St George Illawarra centre Mark Gasnier admitted he'd made up his mind to retire at the start of the year, saying he didn't have the drive to play rugby league in 2012.
Gasnier, who will turn 30 next week, announced his decision to hang up his boots at Kogarah Oval on Thursday.
He had three years remaining on his contract with the reigning NRL premiers - but no regrets.
"I'm happy and content with the decision and I can't thank the club enough," Gasnier said.
"I decided earlier on in the year, it was just finding the right time to announce it, that is always difficult but it is post-Origin and pre-finals so it's a good time.
"It was something I'd considered for a long time, it suits everyone involved with the decision, I can move on with the next stage of my life and the club can move on."
Gasnier played 15 Tests for Australia between 2001 and 2008 as well as 12 Origins for the Blues, including the most recent series, but revealed he'd not told NSW coach Ricky Stuart of his decision ahead of last week's clash with Queensland.
He also said injuries were not a factor, but admitted he would not have had the hunger to play on in 2012.
"The main thing is I hope we (the Dragons) do well this year, it's been a good year for me, I've enjoyed it but I don't think I would have been as committed next year," he said.
Gasnier said helping the Dragons to their first grand final victory as a joint venture last year, having returned mid-season from a two-year stint in French rugby with Stade Francais, helped make his mind up.
"It did put a few flames out, it was one of the main things I came home to achieve and I got to achieve that, but it's hard to reflect on my career just yet, time does funny things … I will probably look back around Christmas time and then the memories will hit me," he said.
Gasnier is the nephew of Reg Gasnier, and while never quite reaching the heights of the rugby league Immortal, has had an outstanding career in his own right.
A line-breaking centre who has also played on the wing and briefly at five-eighth, Gasnier was generally regarded as the best player in his position in the mid part of last decade.
He was named Dally M centre of the year in 2005 and 2006.
In rugby league he was a one-club man, debuting for the Dragons in 2000 and playing 141 games through till 2008 before he jumped ship to play rugby in France.
While not being the dominant player he was in his mid 20s, Gasnier still did enough to warrant Origin selection this year.
