Netizens Pay Tribute to Rugby League Legend Reg Gasnier

Netizens turn to the social media Twitter to pay their tribute to the rugby league legend Reg Gasnier who passed away on Sunday evening, a day before his 75^th birthday.

The "Puff the Magic Dragon" died at the Miranda nursing home, Sydney where he has spent the last few years after a long standing illness following a stroke.

To pay tribute to the "prince of centers" and express their sympathy to the bereaved family, one Twitter user named Tracy Cicero stated: "R.I.P REG GASNIER. You're a legend mate and you made our St George-Illawarra Dragons a Success! UP THE IMMORTAL. Sympathy to Mark Gasnier." The Canberra Raiders tweeted: "The #Raiders would like to pass on our condolences to the family & friends of @NRL_Dragons Immortal Reg Gasnier. A true ornament to the game."

Other users of the social media recalled their fondest memories of the rugby icon. One user named Terrance Bradley said: "First game of footy I ever saw was City v Country in about '64. I was a boy from the bush but was a thrill to see the great Reg Gasnier play."

Even younger generations of Twitter users who had not witnessed the sports legend at play sent their tribute. "Devastated to hear about Reg Gasnier. Never had the honour of seeing him play but the legendary stories stood the test of time. RIP," said Niko Pajarillo.

The Sydney-born rugby icon debuted for the Dragons in 1959 and had had played 39 tests for Australia and scored 26 tries since then.

Dubbed as one of the greatest rugby players the game has ever seen, Gasnier had played 127 mathes for the Dragons and the 11-premiership streak of the 1950s to 60s. He was also featured in seven of the rugby grand finals.

He has his debut to the NRL Dragons in 1959 and became Australia's youngest captain in 1962. He had played in the 1960 World Cup final. He was adjudged by Rugby League Week as one of the four original immortals.

He left behind his wife Maureen, his son Peter and daughter in-law Angelique and his daughter Kellie and son in-law Peter. He had three grandchildren Sheri, Jack, Bryce, Erin and Mitchell.

His nephew Mark Gasnier follows his footsteps into the rugby league.

Below are the messages of tribute from Tweeter:

R.I.P REG GASNIER. Your a legend mate and you made our St George-Illawarra Dragons a Success! UP THE IMMORTAL. Sympathy to Mark Gasnier.
— Tracey Cicero (@CycloneCicero) May 11, 2014

The #Raiders would like to pass on our condolences to the family & friends of @NRL_Dragons Immortal Reg Gasnier. A true ornament to the game — Canberra Raiders (@RaidersCanberra) May 11, 2014

First game of footy I ever saw was City v Country in about '64. I was a boy from the bush but was a thrill to see the great Reg Gasnier play
— Terrance Bradley (@terrancebradley) May 11, 2014

Devastated to hear about Reg Gasnier. Never had the honour of seeing him play but the legendary stories stood the test of time. RIP — Niko Pajarillo (@NikoPajarillo) May 11, 2014