As much as anybody, Mark Gasnier holds the future of St George Illawarra in his hands.

As one of the game's best players, Gasnier is the marquee name at the Dragons, much like his uncle Reg was nearly 50 years ago.

With his subtle strength and dancing feet, Gasnier has been a handful for defences since making his debut in 2000.

Within two years of playing first grade he was a Test player. Origin soon followed and Gasnier has been a fixture for NSW and Australia ever since.

In 2005 he produced his most dominant season thus far, helping NSW win the Origin series and winning a place in the Kangaroos squad for the Tri-Nations series.

He backed up for his state and country in 2006, re-affirming his reputation as one of, if not the best centre in the game.

Not surprisingly, rugby union chased the brilliant Gasnier and his decision to ignore their advances and re-sign with St George Illawarra was rewarded with co-captaincy of the club in 2007 and a shift to five-eighth.

Currently sidelined with injury, his absence is being sorely felt by the Dragons and the Blues.