MARK GASNIER exorcised the demons of his Charity Shield nightmare last year with two tries at the Olympic stadium last night.

St George Illawarra may have lost 24-20 but a far more important outcome was the form and fitness of their inspirational captain. Gasnier crossed twice in the second half before being replaced late in the game. Nathan Brown had obviously decided the health of his skipper was more important than the result of the traditional pre-season hit-out.

This was a game for the comeback kids. While their teammates were going at it last year, Dragons Gasnier, Dean Young and Brett Morris, and Souths' David Kidwell spent most of 2007 on the sidelines. So you could forgive them for playing in a dinner suit in a game in which the result didn't matter but held the distinct possibility of further misfortune.

Gasnier in particular had reason for a sleepless night in the lead-up. In the corresponding game last year, Gasnier went down in a seemingly innocuous tackle by Nigel Vagana. By the time he returned, the Dragons' season was over.

But that was last year. Now sole captain and back in the centres, Gasnier has returned with a vengeance. Early in the second half he received the ball in sight of the tryline against a sliding defence. They had no chance.

When Rangi Chase kicked in behind the Rabbitohs, Gasnier was the first man on the scene.

Last weekend he mesmerised the Bulldogs, scoring two and setting up another. He again came off early in the Charity Shield, but this time with his pectoral muscle intact.

Brown must lament would could have been last year.

The Dragons' plight in 2007 wasn't helped by Young's absence either. The hard-running ball-player thought he hit rock bottom when he did his knee last season. He was wrong. A staph infection compounded the problem and the result was just three fleeting appearances all season.

Young is due some luck.

As is Brett Morris, a casualty of shoulder and thumb injuries.

But if you want really bad luck, look no further than his twin brother, Josh - he scored a hat-trick against the Dogs but it wasn't enough to give him a start last night.

Kidwell was everywhere. Every time Issac Luke scurried from dummy-half, Kidwell was loitering nearby. Souths are a far better team with him back on deck.