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Macqueen confirms Gasnier talks

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:27

Rugby League convert Mark Gasnier is a step closer to returning to Australia, after talks with Melbourne Rebels coach Rod Macqueen last week.

Macqueen, speaking to The Sunday Telegraph, admitted he sat down with Gasnier to gauge his interest in becoming a marquee signing for the team that will enter Super Rugby next year.

And Gasnier is on record about his desire to represent the Wallabies at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Gasnier's agent has already contacted the Australian Rugby Union about topping up any potential Super 15 contract - with the former Kangaroos midfielder now a leading backline target for the Rebels.

He arrived in Australia last Saturday, to prepare for his wedding with Claudine Bonnechere, and also travelled to the Northern Beaches home of Macqueen last Thursday to discuss a potential move from Paris to Melbourne.

ARU high performance unit manager David Nucifora also confirmed they had been contacted by Gasnier's agent George Mimis and were considering offering the former St George Illawarra captain an upgraded deal to lure him home.

"Mark's obviously looking to move on with his life and he seems to have a good head on his shoulders," Macqueen told the Telegraph.

"One of the things about Mark is he's now had a couple of years in rugby. He's been playing on the wing overseas, but he's probably better suited to outside centre."

Nucifora confirmed he had discussed Gasnier with Wallabies coach Robbie Deans and the pair had an ongoing interest in bolstering Australia's depth ahead of next year's World Cup in New Zealand.

Nucifora met Gasnier in Paris in November, 2008, after the Rugby League convert had signed a AU$2-million two-year contract to play for French Top 14 Paris-based club Stade Francais.

"I initially spoke to Gasnier when he first went over [to France], because I'd never met the guy, just to try to get to know him," Nucifora said.

"That's the only conversation I've had with Mark, just over 12 months ago, but since then his agent has contacted us and we have had discussions.

"Mark is showing some interest in wanting to come back to Australia and wanting to have a crack at Rugby Union.

"We're reasonably interested in chatting to him about what his motivations are and where his expectations sit in coming back to Australia."

"He's got a good pedigree as a footballer and he's a good athlete."

With his two-year deal with Stade Francais due to expire in June, Gasnier is also available to return to the NRL mid-season if he desires.

If the former NSW and Australian centre returns to the code he made his name in, St George Illawarra remain the favourites to land his signature.

Reds coach Ewen McKenzie - the man involved in Gasnier's defection to Rugby Union - has also declared his interest in luring him to Brisbane if he wants to stay in Union.

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