The St George Illawarra Dragons will honour Immortal Reg Gasnier with a special tribute match against the North Queensland Cowboys at Jubilee Oval, Kogarah on Saturday.
Gasnier was born and raised within the St George area and began his rugby league career with local club Renown United prior to beginning his career as a Dragon in 1959.
The local junior went on to score 127 tries in 125 games during his nine-year career, which saw him win six Premierships with the Club between 1960-65 as well as representative honours with New South Wales and Australia.
The Dragons and the NRL will host a special tribute ceremony for the ‘Prince of Centres’ pre-game involving past players, Immortals and the Gasnier Family.
All rugby league fans, Dragons in particular, are encouraged to attend the ceremony that is scheduled to begin at 4:25pm.
The first 10,000 fans through the gate will receive a special “Reg Gasnier” commemorative booklet.
Dragons Head Coach Paul McGregor has named a 19-man squad for the tribute match, which sees Peter Mata’utia named in the centre in jersey 14 as the Number 3 jersey famously worn by Gasnier will be retired for this match.
Dylan Farrell (pectoral muscle) and Dan Hunt (foot) have been named to return from injury on an extended interchange.
1. Adam Quinlan
2. Charly Runciman
14. Peter Mata’utia
4. Gerard Beale
5. Jason Nightingale
6. Gareth Widdop
7. Benji Marshall
8. Ben Creagh (c)
9. Mitch Rein
10. Mike Cooper
11. Leeson Ah Mau
12. Joel Thompson
13. Jack de Belin
15. Bronson Harrison
16. Shane Pumipi
17. Will Matthews
19. Dylan Farrell
20. Jack Stockwell
25. Dan Hunt
Unavailable: Josh Dugan (NSW Blues); Tyson Frizell (Ankle-Round 22); Trent Merrin (NSW Blues); Brett Morris (Shoulder-Round 21); Michael Witt (Knee-Season)