The NRL will bring together the game’s Immortals to pay tribute to the late Reg Gasnier this weekend.
CEO Dave Smith said Gasnier was recognised as one of the finest rugby league players of all time and it was fitting that fans could join with the greats of the game to farewell him at his old home ground, Jubilee Oval on Saturday, July 5.
Smith said there could be no greater honour than to have Immortals, John Raper, Graeme Langlands, Wally Lewis and Andrew Johns at the Dragons match against the North Queensland Cowboys.
They will be joined by Joyce Churchill, the widow of another Immortal, Clive Churchill, and Kristian Heffernan, representing the late Arthur Beetson who is also an immortal.
The Immortals will be part of a joint NRL and St George Illawarra Dragons tribute ceremony to give fans a chance to farewell their hero.
“Anyone who saw Reg Gasnier play will tell you that he set the crowd alight every time he touched the ball,” said Smith.
“He is one of the all-time greats and deserves to be farewelled, not only by Dragons fans, but by other Immortals.”
The tribute will include a celebration of Gasnier’s finest Grand Final moments and his number 3 jersey will be officially retired for Saturday’s game.
The Immortals and family representatives will also join Gasnier’s former team mates for the unveiling of a memorial plaque in his honour.
Fellow immortal, Wally Lewis said Reg Gasnier was not only an amazing footballer but one of the game’s true gentlemen.
“To have the opportunity to pay tribute to him this weekend is an honour and I hope all fans can take a moment to reflect on the achievements of this wonderful athlete,” said Lewis.
Dragons CEO Peter Doust speaking on behalf of St George District Rugby League Football Club, Renown United his Junior Club and the Dragons said.
“We are all proud to have had such an association with Reg Gasnier, one of the greatest of all time as an athlete, person and a player," said Doust.
“Saturday will be a really special day, an opportunity for all rugby league fans, especially Dragons fans to join with the Gasnier family, the Immortals and former players in a unique tribute”.
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at approximately 4:25pm with iconic rugby league identity, Ray Warren, as the Master of Ceremonies.
The first 10,000 people through the gates at Jubilee Oval on Saturday will receive commemorative booklet with the details for the day as follows:
Details:
Date: Saturday, July 5
Where: Jubilee Oval, Kogarah
Gates Open: 12.30pm
NYC Kick Off: 12.40pm
NSW Cup Kick Off: 2.40pm
Reg Gasnier Tribute: 4.25pm
NRL Kick Off: 5.30pm
