NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 14: Dane Gagai of the Knights looks on during the round seven NRL match between the Newcastle Knights and the Sydney Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on April 14, 2017 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)
The South Sydney Rabbitohs have announced the signing of State of Origin and Indigenous All Stars player Dane Gagai until at least the end of the 2021 season.
Gagai, 26, has played 124 NRL games for the Newcastle Knights and Brisbane Broncos since making his first grade debut for the Broncos against the Cowboys in 2011, and he will join the Rabbitohs on a four-year contract beginning next season.
Gagai has played in five State of Origin games for Queensland between 2015 and 2017 as well as representing the Indigenous All Stars on three occasions between 2015 and 2017.
Gagai is regarded as one of the strike outside backs in the NRL competition; comfortable playing at centre, wing or fullback; and Rabbitohs Head Coach Michael Maguire is looking forward to adding his experience to the Rabbitohs’ backline.
“Dane is one of the best outside backs in the competition and he has played plenty of football at the elite levels of the game in a variety of positions across the backline,” Coach Maguire said.
“His ability and versatility on the field will be matched by the experience he will be able to bring to the young backs in our squad off the field, plus he has the added experience of putting in the hard work to reach State of Origin level at this stage of his career.
“In our discussions with Dane he’s demonstrated that he’s willing to come to our Club and work hard to bring success to the team, he’s a man of great character and has leadership qualities that he will bring to the Club too.
“He’s also very active in the Indigneous community and he will fit in well with the community programs and initiatives run by Souths Cares.
“We wish Dane the best of luck as he finishes off this season with Newcastle and we look forward to having him join our squad for the 2018 pre-season.”
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