Dragons legend Mark Gasnier joins Parramatta Eels as assistant coach

The Gasnier surname has been synonymous with the Red V for almost 60 years - but Mark Gasnier has officially donned the blue and gold in Parramatta. SEE THE PICTURES

RL Kangaroos arrive home after their win over New Zealand last night ... Winners are grinners, centre Mark Gasnier and forward Jason Ryles ...

The Gasnier surname has been synonymous with the Red V for almost 60 years.

From rugby league immortal Reg Gasnier to his famous nephew Mark Gasnier.

Well, not anymore.

Mark Gasnier has begun his tenure at the Eels. Picture: Instagram

In yet another major off-season recruitment move by Parramatta, champion Dragons centre Mark Gasnier has been employed to work in blue and gold as a specialist coach for the club’s outside backs.

What is sure to be a dagger to the heart of many St George Illawarra fans, Gasnier will also become a major influence on high-profile Dragons recruit Zac Lomax, who has joined the Eels in a bid to play regular centre.

The arrival of Gasnier continues the rising influence of former St George Illawarra stars to join the Eels with head coach Jason Ryles, assistant coach Nathan Brown and Lomax all major contributors to the history of the Red V.

Gasnier, a former Test, NSW State of Origin and premiership-winning centre, has kept his relationship with the game at arm’s length since retiring in 2011.

Gasnier worked in commentary for Fox Sports, studied commercial law, dabbled in player management, held a casual consultancy role with the NSW Blues under Brad Fittler and is currently the CEO of Tri Tag Rugby.

A former Dragons teammate of Ryles and the best man at each other’s weddings, the Eels coach revealed why Gasnier will hone the skills of the Eels outside backs during the current pre-season and when required next year.

Mark Gasnier (L) and Jason Ryles, were co-captains at the Dragons.

“I actually got him down to Melbourne (several seasons ago) when I was there as an assistant a couple of times and the boys were really receptive of his input,” Ryles said.

“I always kept that in my mind, that if ever I was to get a job, I’d get him involved again.

“He’s been loving it. He enjoys coming in to work with the outside backs.

“He talks to them about their craft and breaks down the intricate parts of playing in the backs that I can’t pass on.

“He also sits down and does video with them.

“We’re great mates and so there’s a relationship there. It’s only a small role, but there’s no doubt he can have an influence.’’

Asked about the influx of former Dragons at the club, Ryles said: “First and foremost we’re mates, but the main reason is I just wanted the best coaches that I could get my hands on.

“Gaz will be great for Zac and all our backs including Sean Russell, Will Penisini and Josh (Addo-Carr) and all our young backs coming through.”

Ryles said he would use the pre-season to determine if Lomax would earn the centre position he craves and despite excelling on the wing throughout the 2024 season.

“We’ll just get everyone back in the building and training and then we’ll work out the best combinations,” Ryles said.

“He’s been unreal Zac. I’m open to him playing centre, we just need to work out the balance of our outside backs.

“At the end of the day, we’ll put out the best and most potent team we can.”