Gasnier considering French rugby switch

Nick Markham | Rugbyleaguelive.com | 11/05/08 | 0

Star centre Mark Gasnier has a get-out clause in $3 million Dragons contract, and is considering exercising it in order to link with a cashed-up French rugby union club.

According to News Limited reports, the Test and Origin star is able to explore his options for a period of one month if St George Illawarra change coach, as will happen at the end of the season when Wayne Bennett replaces Nathan Brown.

NRL agent Greg Willett, the man that brokered Craig Gower's multi-million dollar deal with French club Bayonne, is believed to be negotiating on the gun centre's behalf, despite the fact he's not Gasnier's manager.

"He's got no right to be shopping him around," a surprised George Mimis (Gasneir's manager)  told News Limited.

Dragons boss Peter Doust clamied he was unaware of the get-out clause in his marquee player's contract, but conceded Gasnier had previously expressed a desire to play in France.

"The contract was signed three years ago and I can't tell you for sure if he has the coaching clause.  can't recall it being there,

"Mark's said to me before that France is an attractive option but he's only two years into a five year contract," said Doust.

Mark's said to me before that France is an attractive option but he's only two years into a five year contract. Peter Doust, Dragons chief executive