The Serve

Gasnier the leader

We all know what sort of skill Mark Gasnier brings to whatever team he plays in. That was evident when he effortlessly set up Rangi Chase for the first try tonight.

What Gasnier does not get credit for is perhaps what has quickly become his best asset.

Leadership.

Gasnier is only 26, primetime for a league player, but amongst these puppies 26 becomes a seasoned veteran. An asset he seems determined to milk.

At any opportunity against the Eels, be it a strong tackle by a teammate or a silly error, Gasnier was first to arrive, with good body language and better words.

This bunch of kids that had let winnable games go in the past was starting to believe.

With two minutes remaining, the Dragons were given a penalty 42 metres out. A meeting ensued, with goal kicker Jamie Soward set to kick for touch because he didn’t feel he could make the distance. Gasnier calmly sauntered in, and with his settling demeanour and 6 ft 4 frame, towered over his players, pointing the posts and immediately took an audience with Soward and left him with words of wisdom.

The result? Soward drilled it.

Game over.

“He wasn’t 100% confident. But the guys around him gave him the confidence.” That’s Gaz being modest. Sure, there were guys around Soward, but it was Gasnier who made the difference.

Injury has matured Gasnier. A club game, near the end of the season, with nothing to play for, can easily wither the senses of a grizzled veteran.

Gasnier though was a man on a mission.

“I don’t take any game for granted anymore.”