Rugby league immortal and Dragons legend, Reg Gasnier has returned to Kogarah today in recognition of the Sydney Cricket Ground's longstanding partnership with the St George Illawarra club.
The life-size bronze likeness of Gasnier is one of the sculptures relocated as part of the New South Wales Government's redevelopment of the Sydney Football Stadium.
SCG Chairman Tony Shepherd, said: "Today, we are delighted to return Reg Gasnier to his beloved Netstrata Jubilee Stadium where he scored many tries and delighted the Dragons faithful."
"Reg features strongly in the SCG's history as a member of all-conquering St George, NSW and Australian sides. Indeed, the Dragons of Reg's era made the SCG their home ground during their 11 straight premierships.
"The redevelopment of the Sydney Football Stadium provided the opportunity to find a temporary home for Reg and in recognition of our strong partnership with the St George Illawarra club, we are delighted to loan him to Georges River Council and the Dragons to display at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
"The sculpture of Reg captures his unique upright running style thanks to the brilliance of artist Terrance Plowright and the attention to detail of the men behind the SCG's sculpture project, former chairman Rodney Cavalier and benefactor Basil Sellers."
St George District Rugby League Football Club Chairman Craig Young said: "The Dragons have a significant history with the Sydney Cricket Ground, and we are both delighted and honoured that the trustees of the Sydney Cricket Ground have made the decision to bring this statue of Reg to Kogarah while they undergo redevelopment works in their precinct.
"Reg began his career with Renown United in the St George District and went on as we all know to become and Immortal of the game. This is Reg's spiritual home and it is very special to have his sculpture here at Kogarah.
"On behalf of everyone associated with the Dragons, I sincerely thank Tony Shepherd and all at the Sydney Cricket Ground for providing us with this opportunity and to Georges River Council for their support."
Gasnier, nicknamed 'Puff the Magic Dragon' and the 'Prince of Centres', is universally celebrated as one of the greatest rugby league players. He was a St George junior with the famous Renown United, who went on to represent his club, his state and his country at the highest levels.
The bronze sculpture of Gasnier will be returned to the new Sydney Football Stadium when it is completed in 2022.
The remaining six sculptures – Betty Cuthbert and Marlene Mathews, Trevor Allen, Ken Catchpole, Johnny Warren and Dally Messenger – will be relocated to other temporary sites during the months ahead.
