Mark Gasnier was a disappointed but philosophical man after the latest in a lengthy list of injuries stalled his return to the representative rugby league arena.

The powerful centre turned in a scintillating display in the Dragons' 30-0 NRL whitewash of Parramatta on Sunday and was set to play for City against Country on Friday.

However, a calf strain put paid to what would have been his first rep game since returning to the code in mid-2010 from a stint in French club rugby.

"Unfortunately I have probably missed more games through injury than I have played throughout my career, so you learn to deal with it," Gasnier said.

Gasnier's season appeared to be gaining momentum, though he was quick to pay credit to some of his teammates.

"About three weeks ago my body started to feel pretty good and I felt like I was back, ready to play football," Gasnier said.

"But as far as form, I think more credit should go to the people inside me, Jamie Soward and Beau Scott.

"I think they are playing really good footy and keeping a lot of people off me and gave me a bit of space out wide."

Gasnier gave 18-year-old Parramatta centre Jacob Loko a torrid time, but Eels coach Stephen Kearney felt the youngster would be better for the experience.

"I think he was indicative of our second-half performance, I thought he came off a lot better in the second half, Kearney said.

"He was going at them a bit more and wasn't stand-offish and watching in awe as Gaz did his magic in the first half."

Dragons halfback and skipper Ben Hornby, who along with Matt Cooper scored two tries, felt the reigning premiers still had scope for improvement.

"We don't really know how good we can be because we keep getting better," Hornby said.

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