Gasnier to be honoured at NRL match

Reg Gasnier's public tribute will take place at Jubilee Oval on Saturday, before St George Illawarra tackle North Queensland.

St George legend Reg Gasnier

Reg Gasnier's public tribute will take place before St George Illawarra tackle North Queensland. (AAP)

Reg Gasnier's fellow Immortals will be on hand at Jubilee Oval on Saturday to honour one of rugby league's finest players.

The St George great died on May 11 after a long health battle, and before the Dragons' clash with North Queensland, NRL fans will get their chance to farewell Gasnier.

Lining up together at Kogarah will be Immortals John Raper, Graeme Langlands, Wally Lewis and Andrew Johns.

Joyce Churchill, the widow of Clive Churchill, will also attend and the late Arthur Beetson will be represented by his son Kristian Heffernan.

The elite group of rugby league legends will form an integral part of a joint NRL and St George Illawarra tribute that will take place at 4.25pm, an hour before first-grade kick-off.

NRL chief executive Dave Smith said it was a chance for fans to enjoy stories about the man they called the Prince of Centres.

"Anyone who saw Reg Gasnier play will tell you that he set the crowd alight every time he touched the ball," Smith said.

The tribute will celebrate Gasnier's finest grand final moments during St George's incredible run of 11 straight premierships.

In another fitting touch, Gasnier's No.3 jumper will be retired for the match. Dragons centre Peter Mata'utia will run out in jersey No.14.

The Immortals and family representatives will also join Gasnier's former teammates for the unveiling of a memorial plaque in his honour.

Queensland great Lewis, one of the younger Immortals, said Gasnier was not only an amazing footballer but one of the game's true gentlemen.

"To have the opportunity to pay tribute to him this weekend is an honour and I hope all fans can take a moment to reflect on the achievements of this wonderful athlete," Lewis said.


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