It's Tuesday the 29th of June (not Monday, as pointed out above!)

Mark Gasnier to return, Poor NSW Origin selections, Kris Keating to join the Bulldogs in 2011 & Steve Price hangs up the boots....

There is always a certain amount of anticipation and excitement surrounding the return of former greats, to the National Rugby League. Yesterday confirmed the return of one of the great centres to the National Rugby League - Mark Gasnier. He is set to make his return next Monday night for the Dragons (@ Home vs Penrith) and could force Matt Cooper out of NRL at the end of the year.

Gaz has made his intentions clear saying he's back to win a premiership. Hopefully the exciting outside back brings his form back to the NRL and earns himself a spot in the 2011 State of Origin Series.

At 28-years old, Gasnier still has a few golden years left in him (provided he wants them), but for now he is focused on forcing his way back into the Dragons starting side. Dragons centre pairing of Beau Scott and Matt Cooper have both made the NSW representative team this year - however my take on Beau Scott is that he should not have been picked for NSW. His defence is undoubtedly strong, however his attacking game is not existent. Scott's inclusion into State of Origin is the mark up against the #1 Player in the Game - Greg Inglis. However when Inglis wants to shine..... he will, and no Beau Scott can stand in his way.

My centres for game 3 would have been Michael Jennings (thankfully he was selected) and Chris Lawrence. Both Origin players with big futures ahead of them. The selection of Trent Barrett is a complete farce. A solid 5/8th in his last season of Rugby League...... the Origin series is over and QLD have won already ! Why not blood a new 5/8th who will be there next year ? Todd Carney, Terry Campese and even Jamie Soward were all much better options. Had Todd Carney been playing 5/8th for the Roosters for more time this season - his combination with Mitchell Pearce, would've secured his selection. Hopefully if Phil Gould returns to coach NSW, his bias toward the Roosters will come in handy in this department ! Anthony Watmough - NSW's best player for the last 2 series and he has been relegated to the bench !!! He should have been first picked at Lock for game 3.

Meanwhile, Parramatta's Kris Keating will link up with fellow Parramatta junior - Trent Hodkinson - in season 2011 - with both players signing deals with the Canterbury Bulldogs. Keating is a promising young talent who is likely to push for a starting spot at 5/8th. With Hodkinson poised to claim the #7 Halfback position, Brett Kimmorley is likely to move on at the end of the year and retire. Luke Patten is also rumoured to be moving on - the 30-year old veteran who is ever reliable for the Bulldogs, could end up in the English Super League. This opens the door for Ben Barba to settle in at Fullback.

Finally, Steve Price has played his last game in the National Rugby League. The 36-year old is forced to retire early following a persistent ankle injury. I hope he is given the recognition he deserves after playing for the last 17 seasons. A great player and a great guy who will be missed.

Go the mighty Green Machine & the Blues!