St George Illawarra star Mark Gasnier is expected to miss the entire NRL season after suffering a torn pectoral muscle in the Dragons' 16-14 victory over Souths in the Charity Shield tonight.

In a devastating blow to the Dragons' title hopes, Gasnier ran straight up the tunnel in the 63rd minute of the pre-season match at Telstra Stadium clutching at his right shoulder.

He had just moments earlier come off second best in a tackle on Souths centre Nigel Vagana, having started the match in his new position of five-eighth.

The injury was later confirmed as a torn pectoral, with Gasnier expected to miss the entire season.

Regarded as the best centre in the world, Gasnier was to have played five-eighth for the Dragons this season after the departure of long-time pivot Trent Barrett.

After a handful of games last year at No.6, tonight was to have been the beginning of life at five-eighth for Gasnier.

He made a promising start, playing a leading role alongside halves partner Ben Hornby in both of the Dragons' first half tries.

But it all ended in disaster when Gasnier left the field late in the game.

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