Gasnier ruled out of Sharks clash

St George Illawarra has suffered a major blow ahead of its crucial showdown with neighbour Cronulla on Saturday night, losing Test centre Mark Gasnier to injury. Gasnier corked his thigh in the Dragons' routine 30-0 disposal of the Bulldogs on Monday night and will sit out at least a week of football. Chase Stanley replaces Gasnier, with hooker Dean Young and second-rower Beau Scott both returning to the starting side for the Toyota Stadium showdown. The Sharks are boosted by the return of clever lock Greg Bird from a knee injury. Last-up losers Melbourne welcome back Billy Slater from suspension for Friday night's meeting with a depleted Gold Coast at Olympic Park. Josh Lewis replaces Brad Davis at half-back for the desperate Titans. Manly's Anthony Watmough will miss another week but his back-row partner Glenn Stewart will... [read full story]