NRL: Gasnier prays for one more game

Mark Gasnier of the Dragons runs with the ball. Photo / Getty Images

Retiring St George Illawarra star Mark Gasnier has no idea whether he has played his last game - all he can do is hope and pray he hasn't.

The Dragons left their premiership defence in the hands of their NRL rivals following Friday night's 21-12 qualifying final loss to Wests Tigers, ensuring a nervous wait for the side's players and fans.

But no one will be more glued to the television screen hoping at least two of either Melbourne, Manly or Brisbane win their finals matches than Gasnier - which is the result he needs to prolong his career at least another week.

Asked if he had contemplated that this may well be the end, Gasnier said: "No, but it's getting there. Put it this way, I'll be watching the footy on Saturday night pretty nervous. "If it comes it comes ... if that's the last game, that's life.

"You go into a finals series and you definitely don't think that you're definitely going to be in the grand final - I didn't think the same thing last year.

"My mindset's a lot different to theirs [his team-mates] as far as personal preparation because obviously every game's like it's my last and that's the reality of it. It's pretty simple for me."

Gasnier didn't get to play the last time the Dragons were put through this torturous scenario, when they became the first side to bow out from fifth in 2004 after a 31-30 loss to Penrith.

"It's a very nervous wait. In 2004, I didn't play, I was on the sidelines and we got beaten by a point at Penrith and I was hoping to come back the next week but we got beaten and knocked out from fifth, so it is possible."

Either way, Gasnier said now was not the time to start reflecting on his career. In a situation which reflected the team's performance as a whole, the Dragons failed to capitalise on the opportunities that presented themselves.

"It is frustrating when you do have a little bit of space out there but in saying that, we just kept dropping it," Gasnier said. "I still haven't reflected on my career - I don't think I can because the moment I do that you forget about this year and for me I'm still really hoping that we do get a second chance. Even if we do get knocked out, I don't think even if you asked on Monday I'd be able to answer questions about my career."

- AAP