Comments on: Reg Gasnier was the greatest ever

By: Albert Ross

Albert Ross — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 10:33:41 +0000

As a boy I saw him play in the 1960s. He wasn’t bad but mind you he had a great set of forwards in front of him and the halves weren’t half bad either. It has to be said also that the rules at the time, to paraphrase John Howard, suited him. And one cannot underestimate how much the style of refereeing of the likes of Col Pearce assisted, shall we say, the techniques and tactics of the St. Geo sides.

It also should be noted that he was a very fair player and one never saw him loose his cool despite the attention paid to him by his opposition and the invective hurled at him by other teams’ supporters.

By: Jeffrey Phillips

Jeffrey Phillips — Wed, 28 May 2008 04:21:31 +0000

I agree that Clovelly on a nice sunny day is a patch of paradise.Since my divorce I have moved to the lower North Shore of Sydney,it’s nice too, particularly the walk from my place in Spofforth Street[named after the Australian fast bowlerFred "The Demon" Spofforth] down the hill to Mosman Bay to Cremorne Point and back past Shellcove Bay.However it doesn’t match Cloee as described so poignantly in Spiro’s word picture.
I agree Reg Gasnier is firmly in the Pantheon of Australian sports stars.Why not name a street after him?

By: Greg Russell

Greg Russell — Mon, 19 May 2008 01:00:05 +0000

Spiro,

In my father’s pantheon of sporting heroes, Reg Gasnier, Trevor Allan and Keith Miller were all tops. Perhaps coincidentally, they were all ABC commentators in the 1970s as I, an impressionable boy, watched sport on TV. My father was adamant that Reg Gasnier was the greatest oval-balled footballer of any code of all time, and simply used to say to me that it was impossible for me to imagine how good he was. However I don’t think even Reg could match up to Keith Miller. From what you have written over the years, I suspect the top echelons of your sporting pantheon are similarly populated (although no doubt with a few All Blacks in there too).

By: sheek

sheek — Sat, 17 May 2008 09:02:55 +0000

“Reg Gasnier was the greatest ever”……….what exactly?

Certainly the greatest centre to play rugby league for Australia. But also the greatest player of any position? Of both rugby codes?

While we’re supposed to understand McCarthy’s statement, it is a little non-specific. Anyway, if McCarthy meant Gasnier was the greatest ever centre to play rugby league for Australia, no arguments from me. I would even agree he was the best centre to represent Australia in either rugby code.

I never saw Gasnier play, but I respect the opinions of those many people I’ve read & listened to over many years.

‘Puff the magic dragon’.

By: Darryl

Darryl — Fri, 16 May 2008 23:26:17 +0000

Nice story Spiro. I suspect many of the old greats would be successful today, especially the natural atheletes like Reg Gasnier. A lot of people seem to believe Johnny Raper would be a great player today, as one of the immortals, but I’m not so sure. Back when he played, and they had the unlimited tackle count, it was much easier for forwards in a team like St George who didn’t give away possession easily. I think Ray Price would have been my pick for lock. The 6 tackle rule increased the need for aerobic fitness and heart, plus with his success in rugby union, Ray Price was my immortal.

Darryl

By: John D

John D — Thu, 15 May 2008 23:34:16 +0000

Spiro

I have just read and re-read your story several times. Despite agreeing completely with the opinion that Reg Gasnier was probably the best ever, I fear you have completely ruined my day.

It was not the story or the way it was told, in fact the very reverse. It was the picture you created in my mind and the memories that came flooding back.

To be able to go to a real beach and sit in the sun and enjoy the surf without travelling 400 miles.
To be able to meet in a beautiful environment and discuss recent games of League and Union.
To chat to a true icon of the game and get his opinion on the modern day game. (Pleased to hear he looks so well).

God I miss Sydney!

I am in my office in Melbourne, the sun is shining and the birds are singing. It is a beautiful day. I work with terrific people but they think of Sydney a a glitzy, hectic merry-go-round where everyone is out to make a quick buck. Your story provides, in my opinion a much truer picture of the city and the people who live there.

This post will probably initiaite a few replies along the lines of “If you like Sydney so much get your arse back up there!”. They are missing the point. That is like arguing that Aussie Rules is better than League or Union or Football or vice versa. It is a fallacious argument. We all have our favourite, sports, places and people - enjoy them all while you can.

John D