Gasnier must get the ball: Raper

By Michael Cox
Updated November 5 2012 - 6:15pm, first published September 11 2008 - 11:31am
League legend Johnny Raper says it is vital Mark Gasnier gets as much of the ball as possible.Picture: ROBERT PEET
League legend Johnny Raper says it is vital Mark Gasnier gets as much of the ball as possible.Picture: ROBERT PEET

St George legend Johnny Raper has some simple instructions for the Dragons in their sudden-death semi-final against Manly tomorrow night - get the ball to Gaz.The rugby league immortal believes St George Illawarra have the overall strike power to upset the powerful Sea Eagles line-up at Brookvale Oval.But he says for the Dragons to do so, they need to utilise the sublime attacking skills of departing centre Mark Gasnier at every opportunity."When he wants the ball - then you give him the bloody ball. Don't muck around," Raper said. "When the backs call for the ball, get it there straight away - plus we've got very good finishers outside of Mark."Raper is a big fan of Gasnier and he says the dynamic ball-runner will leave a huge hole in the Dragons line-up when he departs for France."He's a very strong running back who can change a game," he said. "I think he's a very strong player and we'll undoubtedly miss him."He will be hard to replace, that's for sure, he'll be very hard to replace."While giving Gasnier opportunities to show-off his dazzling footwork and game-breaking ability was key, Raper said a team effort was required tomorrow night.He said the Dragons had the ability to win the semi-final but needed to pull together."They've got to play as a team and not as a bunch of individuals," he said. "They've been guilty of that at times this year - relying on certain players." The only way Gasnier could be slowed down tomorrow night, Raper said, was if he had a reoccurrence of his back injury."I expect him to go well - if he's fit he'll have a big game. But I don't think he'd play in this game if he wasn't fit, he's a pretty sensible footballer. I don't think he'd take the chance of letting his side down."

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

$0/

(min cost $0)

or signup to continue reading

See subscription options

Get the latest Wollongong news in your inbox

Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date.

We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy.