He was the only one in the 17 man NSW squad to clap the Origin-retiring Darren Lockyer when he ran on alone to a thunderous reception from the faithful.
What better way to defuse the parochial Suncorp crowd than for the arch-enemy to recognise Queensland’s favourite son by clapping him on in unison.
Besides, it was the sporting thing to do for Origin’s most-capped footballer. Mark’s uncle – the Immortal Reg Gasnier, “Puff the Magic Dragon” – would have done the same under the circumstances.
Class is in the blood.
And had NSW captain Paul Gallen moved 20 metres to his right to shake Lockyer’s hand before the national anthem, even the most parochial of Queenslanders in the crowd would have stood and applauded the gesture.
But the moment was lost.
There was still time for redemption. Had the NSW squad stayed near the race to the sheds for another 15 minutes, they could have formed a guard of honour as Lockyer, and his record sixth series-winning team, headed for the showers.
Again, an ideal chance to win approval from the parochial – moment two lost.
And lost on an incredible 2.5 million viewers nationally on Channel 9, a rating that thumped MasterChef.
Can you imagine the on-air salute to NSW from commentators Ray Warren, Peter Sterling, and Phil Gould – and especially from the dyed-in-the-wool Queenslanders Wally Lewis, and Fatty Vautin?
It would have been priceless for recognising sportsmanship.
But rugby league isn’t the only code to miss the moment. Rugby had a golden opportunity in August last year.
It was champion Bok lock Victor Matfield’s 100th Test cap, at another cauldron – Loftus Versfield – with a parochial 52,000.
I suggested to the ARU it would be a sporting gesture for Wallaby skipper Rocky Elsom to go out of his way to shake Matfield’s hand in mid-field to recognise his milestone before the national anthems.
Not only the sporting thing to do, but an ideal way to defuse the parochialism that is just as rampant at Loftus, Matfield’s home ground, as it is at Suncorp, Lockyer’s home turf.
Having agreed it was a top suggestion, it never happened, and the Wallabies copped stick all game before losing 44-31.
Niceties aren’t a sign of weakness. Just the right attitude.
Breno
Guest
Actually I think you might be right...
Breno
Guest
It's not double standards, it's just a suggestion. NSW weren't bad sports for not doing it, but it is true they would have gained a lot of respect if they had (perhaps a guard of honour is a little too much). But if you do want point out bad sportsmanship, and this is just a fact, Gallen blaming the refs for a comprehensive flogging was about as piss poor as it gets - he was rightfully booed by the crowd for his disrespect.
John
Guest
I agree with THE Barry, typical QLD double standards. There is no way in hell, Queensland would ever do something like this so why should NSW do it in return? Lockyer is a champion no question, but all this farewell rubbish is ridiculous. He was congratulated at the end and that is more than enough
Emcie
Guest
Have you tried sitting in the non drinking areas?
BennO
Guest
I think Gasnier might have just been rubbing his hands together, rather than clapping. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VcL1hRGspw
David Heidelberg
Guest
It would not have won over the slobbering simpletons in the stands and would have been a pointless bit of kow-towing to the opponents.
oikee
Guest
There was no need to shake his hand before the game,. They could have just clapped him as he went by. After the game they normally shake hands anyhow. Not sure if this happened, maybe not in origin. Rugby league as a whole should be celebrating Queenslands win this year. The game as a whole has a lot to learn, but trust me, it could have got ugly if we lost this game. This is why i think money should be spent on celebrating players careers and game milestones. We need to improve on sportsmanship side of the game here in Australia, after all, we are leading by example. A family friendly seating area would be good for the game also. Barbara has already pointed out one issue.
oikee
Guest
Yes, men pushing prams is not a good look. Maybe a pram race with the babies still in the prams might be fun,.
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
Everyone has a few skeletons in their closet, or something they're not proud of. The Maroons are no exception, including Lockyer.
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
I tend to agree. By all means, shake hands and congratulate a legend like Lockyer after the game, but there is absolutely no need to do it beforehand. If players wanted to shake his hand before the game, it would have been a great gesture - but it's not bad sportsmanship if you don't. And it's absolutely laughable to think that the Blues shaking Lockyer's hand before the game would have made 50,000 Queenslanders, who had been on the XXXX since midday, be less parochial! Knowing the Maroons fans I know, it would have made them worse! They would have shouted things like 'Don't touch Locky! You're not worthy!"
steve
Guest
"class is in the blood"? that's forgetting a certain pre-origin phone call from a few years back.
barbara
Guest
I agree with the handshake but I think it is living in a dream to think the Queensland crowd could ever be any different they are the worst I have even had the unpleasant experience to sit amongst. Taking my grandson to Brisbane for a weekend to watch Broncos beat St George in a semi was something I would never do again.
Stu
Guest
I was at the Test on the coast earlier in the year and one of the Kiwi's actually said 'gestured' sorry to Lockyer during the game after a big hit. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Gareth - did QLDers clap Johns, Fittler, Daley, Sterling, Clyde, Elias, Buderus, etc, etc on to the field for their last games ? Did QLD form a guard of honour when NSW won 3 straight series ? Are we seriously judging players level of sportsmanship restrospectively based on something a lone journo has made up two days later ? Were you watching the game thinking "why haven' they formed a guard of honour - bad sports." What a joke!
sledgeross
Guest
Thats probably the only good thing gasnier has done the whole series. He has been woeful.
The Barry
Roar Guru
What a load of garbage...has this ever happened in the history of Origin - teams clapping an opposing skippers onto the field or losing teams forming a guard of honour for the victors? Now all of a sudden NSW are bad sports for not making this nonsense up on the spot ? Garbage ! There's been 90-odd origins before this one and plenty of players that have retired and I've never witnessed either of these events.
Gareth
Guest
I have to agree, and think it's symptomatic of having a bloke like Ricky Stuart coaching, and Paul Gallen at the helm. Both have a deserved reputation for poor sportsmanship. The only guy who springs to mind as being in the same class is Ricky Ponting. Good on Gasnier for bucking the trend. I've never particularly liked the guy, but it is a show of class. There's no reason why you can't combine sportsmanship and competion. Give the guy a strong, genuine handshake and say "Good luck. You're gonna need it" with a bit of a wink. If you can't take your competitors hat off for a few seconds without breaking your focus, then your passion for the game and your state is just a facade anyway, because you're not feeling it, you're methodically constructing it by telling yourself you believe it.
Football United
Guest
i do prefer the handshakes and walkout that is standard in football and sometimes english rugby league to the run out with explosions and loud music rah rah with the other sports here. it would be good to see at the very least the captains shake hands before the game.
Big Time
Guest
Up on the Northern Rivers in the NRRRL Competition, it is still the done thing for each side to form a guard and clap the opposition off following the game. This happens for all grades.
David Lord
Guest
Stu, Mark Gasnier was third from the left on the screen - Paul Gallen, Greg Bird, then Gasnier.