NRL star Mark Gasnier has announced his decision to retire from rugby league at the end of the season.
Australia centre to hang up his boots at the end of the season
Mark Gasnier has expressed his thanks to NRL champions St George Illawarra Dragons after announcing his decision to retire from rugby league at the end of the season.
The Australian international is calling time on a career spanning 11 years spent entirely with the Dragons - Gasnier having also played rugby union for Stade Francais in that time.
"I'm content in the decision that I've made and I can't thank the club enough for their support," said Gasnier, who turns 30 next week.
"The club has been so good to me and I can't emphasise that enough - they've always done everything right by me and I've tried to do the same for them.
"Furthermore, the fans have been great for me and I owe them for their support which they have shown with this decision.
"I decided earlier in the season but finding the most appropriate time to announce it which suited everybody took a bit longer.
"It was the right time to do so for everyone involved but the important thing is that we still have a great year this season.
"I want to now focus on the rest of the season and what the playing group want to achieve, beginning against the Sharks on Monday."
The centre plays his final game at WIN Jubilee Oval, Kogarah - one of the Dragons' two grounds - against Cronulla Sharks on Monday.
Extraordinary
Dragons CEO Peter Doust thanked Gasnier and said he respects his decision.
"Mark has had an extraordinary association with the Dragons and is a great rugby league player," said Doust.
"We support his decision to move on to a new stage in his life and wish him well.
"I thank Mark for his decision and his recognition of the needs of the club to move forward."
Gasnier made 15 appearances for the Kangaroos, scoring 11 tries.
