“He likes working with the outside backs when he comes in.”
As they start a new era under coach Jason Ryles in his first season as head coach, the Parramatta Eels have welcomed another former player to their coaching team for the upcoming campaign.
Ryles has asked former St George Illawarra Dragons teammate and co-captain Mark Gasiner to return to rugby league and take over as an assistant coach, replacing Brad Arthur and Trent Barrett.
Gasnier will work under Ryles and serve as a specialised coach for the team’s outside backs, which include Zac Lomax, Will Penisini, Bailey Simonsson, and Sean Russell, joining Nathan Brown, Sam Moa, and Scott Wisemantel in a coaching staff overhaul.
“A few seasons ago, I brought him to Melbourne as an assistant a few times, and the boys were really open to his suggestions,” Ryles told The Daily Telegraph.
“I always remembered that I would enlist him once more if I ever got a job. He’s been enjoying it a lot. He likes to work with the outside backs when he comes in.
He discusses their craft with them and explains the complex aspects of playing in the backs that I am unable to explain. He gets down with them and records videos as well.
There is a relationship there since we are excellent friends. Even though it’s a minor job, he can undoubtedly make an impact.
Gasnier, who was the best man at Ryles’ wedding, played 12 State of Origin games for the NSW Blues, 15 Test matches for the Australian Kangaroos, and 175 first-grade games for the Dragons in two different periods between 2000–08 and 2010–11.
Mark, who won the 2010 Premiership with the Dragons and was twice voted the Dally M Centre of the Year throughout his career, is the nephew of rugby league icon Reg Gasnier.
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