Dane Gagai
{{short description|Australian rugby league footballer (born 1991)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Use Australian English|date=July 2013}}
{{Infobox rugby league biography
|name = Dane Gagai
|fullname =
|image = Dane Gagai Rabbitohs.jpg
|caption =
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1991|01|03}}
|birth_place = Mackay, Queensland, Australia
|height = {{convert|182|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}
|weight = {{convert|92|kg|stlb|abbr=on}}
|position = {{rlp|CE|WG|FB}}
|club1 = Brisbane Broncos
|year1start = 2011
|year1end =
|appearances1 = 6
|tries1 = 4
|goals1 = 0
|fieldgoals1 = 0
|points1 = 16
|club2 = Newcastle Knights
|year2start = 2012
|year2end = 17
|appearances2 = 128
|tries2 = 29
|goals2 = 3
|fieldgoals2 = 0
|points2 = 122
|club3 = South Sydney
|year3start = 2018
|year3end = 21
|appearances3 = 92
|tries3 = 35
|goals3 = 8
|fieldgoals3 = 0
|points3 = 156
|club4 = Newcastle Knights
|year4start = 2022
|year4end = present
|appearances4 = 71
|tries4 = 18
|goals4 = 11
|fieldgoals4 = 0
|points4 = 94
|teamA = Indigenous All Stars
|yearAstart = 2015
|yearAend = 17
|appearancesA = 3
|triesA = 2
|goalsA = 0
|fieldgoalsA = 0
|pointsA = 8
|teamB = Queensland
|yearBstart = 2015
|yearBend = 24
|appearancesB = 23
|triesB = 12
|goalsB = 0
|fieldgoalsB = 0
|pointsB = 48
|teamC = Prime Minister's XIII
|yearCstart = 2015
|yearCend =
|appearancesC = 1
|triesC = 0
|goalsC = 0
|fieldgoalsC = 0
|pointsC = 0
|teamD = Australia
|yearDstart = 2017
|yearDend = 18
|appearancesD = 7
|triesD = 4
|goalsD = 0
|fieldgoalsD = 0
|pointsD = 16
|teamE = Māori All Stars
|yearEstart = 2019
|yearEend = 25
|appearancesE = 3
|triesE = 2
|goalsE = 1
|fieldgoalsE = 0
|pointsE = 10
|updated = 20 April 2025
| module = {{infobox person
| embed = yes
| father = Ray Gagai
| mother =
| spouse =
| education =
| alma_mater =
| relatives = Jacob Gagai (brother)
Josh Hoffman (cousin)
Travis Waddell (cousin)
Wendell Sailor (cousin)
Tristan Sailor (cousin)
}}
}}
Dane Gagai ({{IPAc-en|g|eɪ|g|aɪ}}) (born 3 January 1991) is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who plays as a {{rlp|ce}} and {{rlp|wg}}er for the Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League. He has played for Australia at International level and Indigenous All Stars and the Māori All Stars representative teams.
He previously played for the Brisbane Broncos and South Sydney Rabbitohs in the NRL. He has played for the Indigenous All Stars, Queensland in the State of Origin series and the Prime Minister's XIII. In 2017 he won the Wally Lewis Medal as State of Origin Player of the Series. Earlier in his career he played as a {{rlp|fb}}.
Background
Gagai was born in Mackay, Queensland, Australia. He is of Torres Strait Islander heritage through his father's family (Yam Island and Badu Island people){{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/08/20/i-would-love-to-be-able-to-represent-both-sides-of-my-family-gagais-tough-decision/|title='I would love to represent both sides of my family': Gagai's dilemma|publisher=NRL.com|last=Walter|first=Brad|date=2018-08-20|access-date=2019-02-02}} and Ngati Pikiao Maori descent by way of his mother's ancestry.{{cite web|url=http://www.maoritelevision.com/news/sport/ngati-pikiao-lad-scores-queenslands-first-try|title=Ngāti Pikiao lad scores Queensland's first try | Māori Television|publisher=Maoritelevision.com|date=2014-05-01|access-date=2016-11-03}} Gagai was eligible to play for both Australia and New Zealand through parents of Indigenous Australian and Māori.[http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/former-bronco-dane-gagai-wont-rule-out-having-a-run-for-kiwis/story-fndujljl-1226448293085 Former Bronco Dane Gagai won't rule out having a run for Kiwis] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201203554/http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/former-bronco-dane-gagai-wont-rule-out-having-a-run-for-kiwis/story-fndujljl-1226448293085 |date=1 February 2016 }} news.com.au, 12 August 2012
Gagai's father, Ray, was a member of the Brisbane Broncos' squad in the 1989 NSWRL season. He is also the cousin of former New Zealand test player Josh Hoffman,{{cite news|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/dane-gagai-to-play-for-broncos-the-first-son-to-follow-his-father-ray-into-the-team/story-e6frep5o-1226013128846|title=Dane Gagai to play for Broncos, the first son to follow his father, Ray, into the team|last=Ricketts|first=Steve|date=28 February 2010|work=The Courier-Mail|access-date=2 November 2011}} former Broncos player Wendell Sailor{{cite web|author=Wayne Heming|url=http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/broncos-release-dane-gagai-from-contract-20120508-1yasc.html|title=Broncos release Dane Gagai from contract|publisher=News.smh.com.au|date=2012-05-08|access-date=2015-09-27}} and former Broncos player Travis Waddell. His brother Jacob Gagai plays for the Huddersfield Giants in the Super League.
He attended Brisbane Boys' College[https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-06-14/australian-rugby-union-wallabies-wallaroos-grassroots-schools/102464748 RA & the private schoolboy image ABC News 14 June 2023] where he played rugby union and then played his junior rugby league for Brisbane Wests before being signed by the Brisbane Broncos.
Playing career
=Early career=
From 2009 to 2011, Gagai played for the Brisbane Broncos' NYC team, scoring 39 tries in 61 games.[http://www.rleague.com//db/player/g/gagai_dane/index.php] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111127213345/http://www.rleague.com//db/player/g/gagai_dane/index.php|date=27 November 2011}} At the end of 2010, he was named at {{rlp|fb}} in the 2010 NYC Team of the Year and played for the Junior Kangaroos against the Junior Kiwis.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/holden-cup/nrl-recognise-toyota-cup-team-of-the-year-as-coaches-praise-competition/story-e6frf3qu-1225924308941|title=NRL Recognise Toyota Cup Team of the Year as Coaches Praise Competition|publisher=Foxsports.com.au|access-date=2015-10-08}}{{cite web|url=http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8111629|title=Clinical Junior Kangaroos beat Kiwis|publisher=Wwos.ninemsn.com.au|access-date=2015-09-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928024633/http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8111629|archive-date=28 September 2015|url-status=dead}}
=2011=
In round 1, Gagai made his NRL debut for the Brisbane Broncos against the North Queensland Cowboys on the {{rlp|wg}}, scoring a try in the 16–14 loss at Suncorp Stadium.{{cite web|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/coach-anthony-griffin-feels-for-broncos-after-bruising-loss-to-cowboys/story-e6frep5x-1226020116949|title=Coach Anthony Griffth Feels for Broncos After Bruising Loss to Cowboys|publisher=Couriermail.com.au|access-date=2015-10-08}}
Gagai finished his debut year in the NRL with 4 tries in 6 matches. He was again named in the NYC Team of the Year, this time at {{rlp|wg}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.nrl.com/toyota-cup-team-of-the-year/tabid/10874/newsid/64496/default.aspx|title=Toyota Cup Team of the Year|publisher=NRL.com|access-date=2015-09-27|archive-date=11 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150511103631/http://www.nrl.com/toyota-cup-team-of-the-year/tabid/10874/newsid/64496/default.aspx|url-status=dead}}
=2012=
On 19 March, Gagai re-signed with Brisbane on a two-year contract.{{cite web|url=http://www.nrl.com/broncos-gagai-in-new-two-year-nrl-deal/tabid/10874/newsid/66394/default.aspx|title=News Article|publisher=Nrl.com|access-date=2015-09-27|archive-date=3 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403035157/http://www.nrl.com/broncos-gagai-in-new-two-year-nrl-deal/tabid/10874/newsid/66394/default.aspx|url-status=dead}} On 9 May, he was released from the contract due to disciplinary reasons.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/brisbane-broncos-axe-dane-gagai-six-weeks-after-he-signed-new-nrl-deal/story-fn2mcuj6-1226350557913|title=Broncos Axe Dane Gagai Six Weeks After He Signed New NRL Deal|publisher=Foxsports.com.au|access-date=2015-10-08}} On 28 May, Gagai signed a 2-year contract with the Newcastle Knights effective immediately.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/newcastle-knights-win-fight-for-dumped-bronco-dane-gagais-signature/story-e6frexnr-1226369759399|title=Newcastle Knights Win Fight For Dumped Broncos Dane Gagai's Signature|publisher=Dailytelegraph.com.au|access-date=2015-10-08}} In Round 14 of the 2012 NRL season, Gagai made his club debut for the Newcastle Knights against the Canberra Raiders at {{rlp|ce}}, scoring a try in the Knights 32–16 loss at Hunter Stadium.{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-match-report/knights-stuck-in-reverse-20120610-203ab.html|title=Knights crash to 32-16 loss to Raiders|publisher=Smh.com.au|date=2012-06-10|access-date=2015-09-27}} Gagai finished his first year in the Newcastle Knights with 12 matches and 5 tries.
=2013=
On 22 May, Gagai re-signed with Newcastle on a two-year contract.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/newcastle-knights-re-sign-centre-dane-gagai-young-forward-robbie-rochow-and-veteran-david-faalogo/story-fn2mcuj6-1226648621125|title=Newcastle Knights Re-Sign Centre Dane Gagai, Young Forward Robbie Rochow and Veteran David Faalogo|publisher=Foxsports.com.au|access-date=2015-10-08}} he finished the season with 23 matches and scoring 5 tries. In August, Gagai rejected playing for New Zealand in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, instead setting his sights to play for Queensland in State of Origin.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/newcastle-flyer-dane-gagai-rejects-new-zealand-for-shot-at-queenslands-state-of-origin-side/story-fni3fbgz-1226706930674|title=Newcastle Flyer Dane Gagai Rejects New Zealand for Shot at Queensland's State of Origin Side|publisher=Dailytelegraph.com.au|access-date=2015-10-08}}
=2014=
On 28 January, Gagai was banned from the Queensland Origin camp by Mal Meninga after a discipline breach.{{cite web|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/coach-mal-meninga-bans-dane-gagai-after-queensland-origin-camp-breach/story-fniabjcr-1226812433213|title=Coach Mal Meninga Bans Dane Gagai After Queensland Origin Camp Breach|publisher=Couriermail.com.au|access-date=2015-10-08}} In February, Gagai was selected in the Knights inaugural Nines squad.{{cite web|url=http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/squads-auckland-nines/|title=Squads For Auckland Nines|publisher=Rugby League Week|date=2014-02-14|access-date=2015-09-27|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115214258/http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/squads-auckland-nines/|archive-date=15 January 2016}} In June, he was included in the Queensland Maroons extended 22-man squad but was later not chosen to make his debut for Queensland.{{cite web|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/dane-gagai-looms-as-a-bolter-as-queenslands-wounded-origin-team-names-an-extended-squad/story-fniablkr-1226947578093|title=Dane Gagai Looms as a Bolter as Queensland's Wounded Origin Team Names an Extended Squad|publisher=Couriermail.com.au|access-date=2015-10-08}} Gagai played in all of the Knights 24 matches, scoring 7 tries and kicking a goal.
=2015=
In the pre-season, Gagai played for the Knights in the 2015 NRL Auckland Nines{{cite web|url=http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/knights-2015-nines-squad/|title=KNIGHTS NAME 2015 NINES SQUAD|publisher=Rugby League Week|date=2015-01-20|access-date=2015-09-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130234832/http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/knights-2015-nines-squad/|archive-date=30 January 2016|url-status=dead}} and the Indigenous All Stars in the annual All Stars match,{{cite web|url=http://www.nrl.com/final-all-stars-teams-announced/tabid/10874/newsid/83748/default.aspx|title=Final All Stars teams announced|publisher=NRL.com|date=2015-02-09|access-date=2015-09-27}} playing off the interchange bench. The Indigenous side won 20–6.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/the-indigenous-all-stars-have-beaten-the-nrl-stars-20-6-at-cbus-stadium/story-fni3fbgz-1227219053165|title=Indigenous All Stars Have Beaten the NRL All Stars 20-6 at CBUS Stadium|publisher=Dailytelegraph.com.au|access-date=2015-10-09}}
On 10 April, he re-signed with Newcastle on a two-year contract after strong interest from his former club Brisbane Broncos.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/dane-gagai-extends-newcastle-knights-contract-for-two-more-years-ending-rumours-of-possible-exit/story-fni3gf5j-1227299151923|title=Dane Gagai Extends Newcastle Knights Contract for Two More Years|publisher=Dailytelegraph.com.au|access-date=2015-10-08}}{{cite web|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/dane-gagai-wants-to-return-to-the-brisbane-broncos-the-club-which-sacked-him-two-years-ago/story-fniabnkr-1227028499554|title=Dane Gagai Want to Return to the Brisbane Broncos|publisher=Couriermail.com.au|access-date=2015-10-08}} On 8 July, he made his State of Origin debut on the wing for Queensland in Game 3 of the 2015 State of Origin series,{{cite web|url=http://www.theroar.com.au/2015/06/29/queensland-maroons-team-for-2015-state-of-origin-game-3/|title=Queensland Maroons team for 2015 State of Origin Game 3|publisher=The Roar|access-date=2015-09-27}} scoring the first try of the game, in Queensland's 52–6 win.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-07-08/state-of-origin3a-queensland-wins-series-after-beating-the-blues/6605458|title=State of Origin: Queensland Maroons win series after beating New South Wales Blues 52-6 - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)|date=8 July 2015|publisher=Abc.net.au|access-date=2015-09-27}}{{cite web|author=Beth Newman|url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/state-of-origin/state-of-origin-qld-maroons-claim-record-526-win-over-nsw-blues-20150708-gi831u.html|title=State of Origin: Qld Maroons claim record 52-6 win over NSW Blues|website=Smh.com.au|date=2015-07-08|access-date=2015-12-25}} He finished the 2015 season having played in all of the Knights 24 matches, scoring 7 tries and kicking 2 goals as the club finished last.{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/Custom/MTUtMTY2MC00LS0tLS0tMTY1NzMtLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0t|title=Custom Match List|publisher=Rugby League Project|date=2015-10-31|access-date=2015-12-25}}
On 26 September, he played for the Prime Minister's XIII against Papua New Guinea, playing at centre in his team's 40–12 win in Port Moresby.{{cite web|url=http://www.nrl.com/merrin-to-lead-prime-ministers-xiii/tabid/10874/newsid/89831/default.aspx|title=Merrin to lead Prime Minister's XIII|website=NRL.com|date=2015-09-15|access-date=2015-12-20}}{{cite web|author=Tom Decent|url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/australian-prime-ministers-xiii-beat-papua-new-guinea-4012-in-port-moresby-20150926-gjvoj6.html|title=Australian Prime Minister's XIII beat Papua New Guinea 40-12 in Port Moresby|website=Smh.com.au|date=26 September 2015|access-date=2015-12-20}}
=2016=
On 13 February, Gagai again played for the Indigenous All Stars against the new World All Stars, playing on the wing and scoring a try in his team's 8–12 loss at Suncorp Stadium.{{cite news| work= The Daily Telegraph| title=World All Stars defeat Indigenous All Stars 12-8 at Suncorp Stadium| author=Chris Garry| url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/world-all-stars-defeat-indigenous-all-stars-128-at-suncorp-stadium/news-story/034a63c6602597828b4b9a5ce72f986e|access-date=14 February 2016|date=13 February 2016}}
In round 10 against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, Gagai played his 100th NRL career game in the Knights' 0–62 loss at Hunter Stadium. After the match, he was seen on camera crying and being embraced by teammate Tariq Sims. Fox Sports commentators Andrew Voss, Jimmy Smith and Mark Gasnier commented on the incident: "Right there at the finish, I don't think I've ever seen the likes of that in all my time following rugby league," said Voss. "Dane Gagai just couldn't contain himself. This is a round 10 game. Have you ever witnessed that in your life? They were incredible pictures," said Smith. "That is a reaction you just don't see. He was shattered," said Gasnier.{{cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/dane-gagais-reaction-to-losing-against-the-sharks-was-gutwrenching/news-story/c75a89f433caa646449cd47da460d6b2|title=Dane Gagai bursts into tears following Newcastle Knights loss to Cronulla Sharks|date=15 May 2016|publisher=News.com.au|access-date=2016-05-17}}{{cite web|author=Chris Paine|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2016/05/15/knights-star-dane-gagai-breaks-down-in-tears-after-shattering-lo/|title=Knights Star Dane Gagai Breaks Down in Tears After Shattering Loss|work=HuffPost|access-date=2016-05-17}} After the incident, Gagai was exposed to racial abuse from a crowd member. It was later revealed that Gagai was upset due to the death of his grandmother earlier that day.{{cite news|author=Paul Crawley|url= http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/footy-form/newcastle-knights-investigate-allegations-dane-gagai-was-racially-abused-by-fan-at-hunter-stadium/news-story/beefad03c54404927450c0dea149209b |title=Newcastle Knights Investigate Allegations Dane Gagai was Racially Abused by fan at Hunter Stadium|newspaper= Daily Telegraph |date= 16 May 2016 |publisher=Dailytelegraph.com.au|access-date=2016-05-26}}{{cite web|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/state-of-origin/dane-gagai-takes-a-stand-after-tragedy-impacts-his-hometown-of-mackay/news-story/30723cebe861eba02c8646d7bf243326|title=Dane Gagai takes a stand after tragedy impacts his hometown of Mackay|publisher=Couriermail.com.au|date=2016-06-01|access-date=2016-09-05}}
He played in all 3 matches for Queensland on the wing in the 2016 State of Origin series, where he scored 1 try in Game 1 in Queensland's 6–4 win at ANZ Stadium and a hat-trick of tries in Game 2 in their 26–16 win at Suncorp Stadium.{{cite web|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/state-of-origin/state-of-origin-1-maroons-edge-blues-64-to-clinch-series-opener/news-story/e6281e88bb7d2f145b8a517b02c12c04|title=State of Origin 1: Maroons edge Blues 6-4 to clinch series opener|publisher=Couriermail.com.au|date=2016-06-01|access-date=2016-09-05}}{{cite web|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/state-of-origin/state-of-origin-2016-dane-gagais-hattrick-draws-comparisons-with-greg-inglis/news-story/ab6647eb795277e71422280cf884f09b|title=State of Origin 2016: Dane Gagai's hat-trick draws comparisons with Greg Inglis|publisher=Couriermail.com.au|date=2016-06-22|access-date=2016-09-05}}{{cite web|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/nrl/state-of-origin-maroon-dane-cagai-weapon-joins-hattrick-heroes/news-story/19bec4622abc41d6ce2559c9b8de5473|title=State of Origin Maroon Dane Gagai Weapon Joins Hattrick Heroes|publisher=The Australian|access-date=2016-09-05}}
He finished the season having played in 22 matches and scoring 3 tries as Newcastle finished last on the table and claimed the wooden spoon for a second consecutive year.{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/Custom/MTUtMTY3Ny00LS0tLS0tMTY1NzMtLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0t|title=Custom Match List|publisher=Rugby League Project|access-date=2016-09-05}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/other-sports/list/the-worst-teams-in-nrl-history-newcastle-knights-rugby-league-wooden-spoon-parramatta-eels-salary-cap-semi-radradra-kieran-foran/1k2c6o18od8431jen234fqd91u/4/|title=The worst teams in NRL history|website=Sporting News|access-date=4 February 2020|archive-date=11 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211141048/https://www.sportingnews.com/au/other-sports/list/the-worst-teams-in-nrl-history-newcastle-knights-rugby-league-wooden-spoon-parramatta-eels-salary-cap-semi-radradra-kieran-foran/1k2c6o18od8431jen234fqd91u/4/|url-status=dead}}
=2017=
Gagai made his third consecutive appearance for the Indigenous All Stars, starting on the wing and scoring a try in the 34–8 win.{{cite news|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/indigenous-all-stars-thump-world-all-stars-348-in-newcastle/news-story/a016f102b1c7ddc5bbdeeedb83a149c5 |title=Indigenous All Stars thump World All Stars 34-8 in Newcastle |date=February 11, 2017|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph | author=Paul Crawley |accessdate=2 October 2021}}
On 10 June, Gagai announced that he signed a four-year deal with the South Sydney Rabbitohs from 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/south-sydney-rabbitohs-confirm-dane-gagai-nrl-signing-20170610-gwoq96.html|title=South Sydney Rabbitohs confirm Dane Gagai NRL signing|first=Matt|last=Encarnacion|date=10 June 2017|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=9 May 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2017/06/10/rabbitohs-sign-dane-gagai/|title=Rabbitohs sign Dane Gagai|date=22 September 2017|access-date=9 May 2018}}
On 12 July, Gagai won the Wally Lewis Medal as the player of the 2017 State of Origin series. Gagai, who played on the wing for Queensland in all 3 games, scored 2 tries in Game 2 in the series-tying 18–16 win at ANZ Stadium and ran for over 500 metres for the series. He became the first winger to win the official Player of the series.{{cite news|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/state-of-origin/state-of-origin-2017-dane-gagai-wins-wally-lewis-medal-as-player-of-the-series/news-story/3cc1d68ab7df64ac59c3974f1580cfc5 |title=State of Origin 2017: Dane Gagai wins Wally Lewis Medal as player of the series |newspaper=The Courier Mail |publisher=Couriermail.com.au |date=2017-07-12 |access-date=2017-07-13}}
Gagai finished his last year with the Newcastle Knights with him playing in 23 matches and scoring 2 tries as Newcastle finished last for a third consecutive year. On 3 October, he was selected in the 24-man Australia Kangaroos 2017 Rugby League World Cup squad.{{cite web|url=http://www.nrl.com/kangaroos-world-cup-squad-announced/tabid/10874/newsid/112704/default.aspx|title=Kangaroos World Cup squad announced|date=2 October 2017|access-date=9 May 2018}} On 27 October, Gagai made his international debut for Australia against England, playing on the wing in the 18–4 win at AAMI Park.{{cite web|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/rugby-league-world-cup-australias-dane-gagai-on-why-he-doesnt-sing-the-national-anthem/news-story/47f699bc4233ba56e47f77bf0d7f9235|title=Dailytelegraph.com.au|website=www.dailytelegraph.com.au|access-date=9 May 2018}} In his next match against Lebanon, Gagai scored his first international try in the 34–0 win at Sydney Football Stadium.{{cite web|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/kangaroos-unconvincing-in-world-cup-win-over-lebanon/news-story/b9b1923c9d51c7b2da38f81b582195e5|title=Dailytelegraph.com.au - Subscribe to The Daily Telegraph for exclusive stories|website=www.dailytelegraph.com.au|access-date=9 May 2018}} Gagai played in 5 matches and scored 3 tries in the tournament including starting on the wing in the Kangaroos gritty 6-0 World Cup final victory over England at Suncorp Stadium.{{cite web|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/australia-v-england-player-ratings-who-starred-who-struggled-in-world-cup-final/news-story/56bbc1a62696d3b7e903321d0efb037f|title=Dailytelegraph.com.au - Subscribe to The Daily Telegraph for exclusive stories|website=www.dailytelegraph.com.au|access-date=9 May 2018}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2017/dec/02/rugby-league-world-cup-2017-final-australia-v-england-live|title=Australia edge out England 6-0 to win the Rugby League World Cup final – as it happened|first=Paul|last=Connolly|newspaper=The Guardian|date=2 December 2017|access-date=9 May 2018|via=www.theguardian.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2017/12/12/knights-2017-by-the-numbers/|title=Knights: 2017 by the numbers|website=NRL|date=12 December 2017}}
=2018=
In round 1 of the 2018 season, Gagai made his club debut for South Sydney against the New Zealand Warriors, playing at centre in South Sydney's 20–32 loss at Perth Stadium.{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/dazzling-johnson-catches-bunnies-on-the-hop-in-perth-boilover-20180310-p4z3sd.html|title=Dazzling Johnson catches Bunnies on the hop in Perth boilover|first=Adam|last=Pengilly|date=10 March 2018|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=9 May 2018}}
In round 9 against his old club Newcastle, he scored his first try for Souths in their 36–18 win at McDonald Jones Stadium. During the 2018 All-Stars match at AAMI Park, Melbourne, Gagai was eligible to play for both representative teams as he had Torres Strait Island and Maori heritage. Gagai was then selected to the Maori All-Stars Team.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/02/04/jordan-mclean-out-of-maori-all-stars-kenny-bromwich-called-in/|title=Bromwich to replace McLean in Maori All Stars|date=2019-02-07|website=National Rugby League|language=en|access-date=2019-06-07}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/08/20/i-would-love-to-be-able-to-represent-both-sides-of-my-family-gagais-tough-decision/|title=I would love to be able to represent both sides of my family": Dane Gagai faces tough decision|date=2018-08-20|website=National Rugby League|language=en|access-date=2019-06-07}}
=2019=
Before the 2019 NRL season started Gagai chose to play for New Zealand Maori kiwis against the Indigenous Australian All Stars and in that game he scored two tries.
In Game 1 of the 2019 State of Origin series, Gagai scored 2 tries and won man of the match in Queensland's 18–14 victory at Suncorp Stadium. After the match, Gagai finished with 256 run metres, two linebreaks, three tackle breaks and 11 tackles.{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/state-of-origin/teams/queensland/dane-gagai-claims-man-of-the-match-honours-in-origin-i/news-story/59b567e426f3a5e9815c64b985b002d9|title=State of Origin 2019 Game 1: Who was man of the match? Dane Gagai named best on field|date=2019-06-05|website=Fox Sports|language=en-AU|access-date=2019-06-07}}
In round 19 against St. George, Gagai scored two tries as South Sydney won the match 20-16 after the final siren had sounded.{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/07/26/rabbitohs-steal-last-second-win-over-brave-dragons/|title=Rabbitohs steal last-second win over brave Dragons|website=NRL|date=26 July 2019}}
Gagai finished the 2019 NRL season playing 25 games and scoring 10 tries. He played in the club's preliminary final defeat against the Canberra Raiders as the club fell short of a grand final appearance for the second year in a row.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/sep/27/canberra-raiders-end-25-year-wait-to-reach-nrl-grand-final-with-victory-over-rabbitohs/|title=Canberra Raiders end 25-year wait to reach NRL grand final with victory over Rabbitohs|website=The Guardian|date=27 September 2019}}
=2020=
In round 5 of the 2020 NRL season, Gagai scored two tries as South Sydney defeated the Gold Coast 32–12 at Bankwest Stadium. In round 8, Gagai scored the match winning try for Souths as they defeated Canterbury 26–10 at Bankwest Stadium.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/teams/rabbitohs/bunnies-flyer-braidon-burns-gone-for-the-season-after-horrific-knee-injury-in-win-over-dogs/news-story/91ee10a29ce601c6fcfb046b3e1c4837/|title=Braidon Burns gone for season|website=www.foxsports.com.au|date=5 July 2020}} In round 9, Gagai scored his first NRL hat trick as Souths defeated the West Tigers 18–10 at Bankwest Stadium.
In round 18 against Wests Tigers, Gagai scored a try but was later sent to the sin bin after throwing the ball at Wests player Luke Brooks. Brooks retaliated punching Gagai in the face before the pair traded punches sparking an all in brawl. Souths would go on to win the match 26–24.{{cite news|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/luke-brooks-sent-to-bin-for-ridiculous-right-hook-at-dane-gagai/news-story/d30b48163ad5e2631a5291057644fafa/|title=Luke Brooks sent to bin for 'ridiculous' right hook at Dane Gagai|newspaper=News.com.au|date=10 September 2020|last1=Otto|first1=Tyson}}
Gagai finished the season with 19 appearances and 11 tries. He played in the club's preliminary final defeat against Penrith as Souths fell at that stage in the competition for a third year in a row.{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-17/nrl-preliminary-final-penrith-panthers-south-sydney-scorecentre/12774550/|title=Penrith Panthers beat South Sydney Rabbitohs 20-16 to set up NRL grand final against Melbourne Storm|newspaper=ABC News|date=17 October 2020}}
=2021=
In round 12 of the 2021 NRL season, Gagai scored a hat-trick in South Sydney's 38-20 victory over Parramatta.{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-29/nrl-live-score-updates-panthers-bulldogs-rabbitohs-eels/100176060/|title=Penrith Panthers cruise past last-placed Bulldogs as Roosters and Rabbitohs also win big in NRL|newspaper=ABC News|date=29 May 2021}}
On 9 August, it was announced that Gagai had signed a three-year deal to rejoin Newcastle in 2022.{{cite web|url=https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/newcastle-knights-knights-confirm-dane-gagai-signing-from-south-sydney/39a68100-a231-4916-b0b9-7e088a5c6489/|title=Knights confirm signing of Dane Gagai on a three-year deal|website=wwos.nine.com.au}}
Gagai played a total of 23 games for South Sydney in the 2021 NRL season including the club's 2021 NRL Grand Final defeat against Penrith.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/oct/04/one-of-finest-nrl-grand-finals-of-all-time-provides-cure-to-difficult-season/|title=One of finest NRL grand finals of all time provides cure to difficult season|website=www.theguardian.com|date=3 October 2021}}
=2022=
In Game 3 of the 2022 State of Origin series, Gagai was sent to the sin bin for punching New South Wales player Matt Burton during Queensland's 22-12 victory.{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2022/07/14/tad-ridiculous-fittler-questions-burton-binning/|title='Tad ridiculous': Fittler questions Burton binning|website=www.nrl.com|date=13 July 2022 }}
In round 19 of the 2022 NRL season, Gagai was sent to the sin bin for dissent during Newcastle's 42-12 loss against the Sydney Roosters.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2022-newcastle-knights-vs-sydney-roosters-live-stream-live-blog-supercoach-scores-videos-luke-keary-kalyn-ponga/news-story/5169d167eae55be35bbfcd1d754ba41b/|title=Tedesco-Keary combo sizzles in rout as woeful Knights suffer Ponga blow: 3 Big Hits|website=www.foxsports.com.au|date=22 July 2022 }} In round 24, Gagai scored two tries for Newcastle in their 26-36 defeat to the Gold Coast.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2022-gold-coast-titans-vs-newcastle-knights-rabbitohs-live-stream-live-blog-supercoach-scores-videos-aj-brimson-anthony-milford/news-story/1c325d09b4a8aa19627169bcd5b8bd2b/|title=Gutsy 12-man Titans hold on to beat Knights and avoid wooden spoon|website=www.foxsports.com.au|date=28 August 2022 }}
Gagai played a total of 20 games for Newcastle in 2022 as the club finished 14th on the table.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/rugby-league/news/nrl-2022-newcastle-knights-season-review/zuanch2lkdlbojvv3rtaafcg/|title=NRL 2022: Newcastle Knights season review|website=www.sportingnews.com|date=6 September 2022 }}
=2023=
Gagai played a total of 22 games for Newcastle in the 2023 NRL season as the club finished 5th on the table. Gagai played in both finals games as Newcastle were eliminated in the second week of the finals by the New Zealand Warriors.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/rugby-league/news/nrl-2023-newcastle-knights-season-review/eb7fed33aeb7f61ca8030120#:~:text=The%20Knights'%20season%20was%20languishing,rugby%20league%20fans%20in%20general./|title=NRL 2023: Newcastle Knights season review|website=www.sportingnews.com|date=19 September 2023 }}
=2024=
In round 25 of the 2024 NRL season, Gagai scored two tries for Newcastle in their 36-16 victory over South Sydney.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2024-south-sydney-rabbitohs-vs-newcastle-knights-live-updates-score-stats-video-kalyn-ponga/news-story/7f89343b6db26bede877ccc8190d81af/|title=Ponga keeps Knights’ slim finals hopes alive after Souths star cops bizarre sin bin: What we learned|website=www.foxsports.com.au}}
Gagai played 22 games for Newcastle in the 2024 NRL season as the club finished 8th and qualified for the finals. He played in their elimination finals loss against North Queensland.{{cite web|url=https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/news-2024-the-mole-exclusive-newcastle-knights-season-review-adam-obrien-20240917-p5kb9j.html/|title=Brutal reality Newcastle must accept before solving confidence-killing 'riddle'|website=www.nine.com.au}} Gagai re-signed with the Knights for a further two years.{{Cite web |last=Chalk |first=Ethan Lee |date=2024-05-10 |title=Dane Gagai makes official decision on NRL future |url=https://www.zerotackle.com/dane-gagai-makes-official-decision-on-nrl-future-209578/ |access-date=2024-11-08 |website=Zero Tackle |language=en-US}}
Accolades
Wally Lewis Medal: 2017
Career statistics
= Club =
| class="wikitable"
|+ !Year !Club !Team !Tries !Goals !Pts |
| 2011
|{{Leagueicon|Brisbane|16}} Brisbane Broncos |6 |4 | |16 |
| 2012
| rowspan="6" |{{Leagueicon|Newcastle|16}} Newcastle Knights |12 |5 | |20 |
| 2013
|23 |5 | |20 |
| 2014
|24 |7 |1 |30 |
| 2015
|24 |7 |2 |32 |
| 2016
|22 |3 | |12 |
| 2017
|23 |2 | |8 |
| 2018
| rowspan="4" |{{Leagueicon|South Sydney|16}} South Sydney Rabbitohs |25 |4 | |16 |
| 2019
|25 |10 |7 |54 |
| 2020
|19 |11 |1 |46 |
| 2021
|23 |10 | |40 |
| 2022
| rowspan="3" |{{Leagueicon|Newcastle|16}} Newcastle Knights |20 |5 | |20 |
| 2023
|22 |4 |1 |18 |
| 2024
|22 |8 |10 |52 |
| |Totals
|290 |85 |22 |384 |
= Representative =
| class="wikitable"
|+ !Years !Team !Appearances !Tries !Goals !Goal-kicking percentage !Field goals !Points |
| 2015−2024
|21 |12 | - | - | - |48 |
| 2017−2018
|7 |4 | - | - | - |16 |
| 2015−2017
|3 |2 | - | - | - |8 |
| 2019–2025
|2 |2 | - | - | - |8 |
References
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
External links
- [https://www.newcastleknights.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/newcastle-knights/dane-gagai/ Newcastle Knights profile]
- [https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/teams/telstra-premiership/south-sydney-rabbitohs/dane-gagai/ South Sydney Rabbitohs profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021041729/https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/teams/telstra-premiership/south-sydney-rabbitohs/dane-gagai/ |date=21 October 2020 }}
{{Newcastle Knights squad}}
{{Australia 2017 Rugby League World Cup squad}}
{{2010 National Youth Competition Team of the Year}}
{{2011 National Youth Competition Team of the Year}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gagai, Dane}}
Category:Australia national rugby league team players
Category:Australian people of Māori descent
Category:Australian rugby league players
Category:Brisbane Broncos players
Category:Indigenous All Stars players
Category:21st-century Indigenous Australian people
Category:Junior Kangaroos players
Category:New Zealand Māori rugby league players
Category:New Zealand Māori rugby league team players
Category:Newcastle Knights players
Category:Newcastle Knights captains
Category:Newcastle Yowies players
Category:People educated at Brisbane Boys' College
Category:Prime Minister's XIII players
Category:Queensland Rugby League State of Origin players
Category:Redcliffe Dolphins players
Category:Rugby league fullbacks
Category:Rugby league players from Mackay, Queensland
Category:South Sydney Rabbitohs players