Eels Blogs

Dane Gagai maybe available for 2026 at around $400k

Posted by Muttman on June 6, 2025 at 11:32am

https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2025-transfer-whispers-newcastle-knights-unwilling-to-take-up-dane-gagai-contract-option-for-2026-adam-obrien-transfers-round-14/news-story/5fd6de76a8b4ea8c71e3a0d7685fb22c

Summary:
Newcastle Knights veteran Dane Gagai may be forced to leave the club at season's end, with reports suggesting the club will not take up his $400,000 team option for 2026. The Knights reportedly believe Gagai, 34, is no longer worth that salary, despite it being about half the going rate for top NRL centres. The decision is seen as puzzling, especially given Gagai’s strong recent form — including a standout performance in the Knights' win over Manly — and the injury history of their marquee centre Bradman Best.

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LB June 6, 2025 at 11:40am

I mean sure, he is experienced, durable and can offer leadership. I feel we do not need any backs but if Ryles feels we do then i will back it.
iamnot June 6, 2025 at 11:40am

He's no longer worth $400k though. One decision Newcastle have got right. He's a $250k player at best now.
- LB > iamnot June 6, 2025 at 11:42am
  
  For one year and the cap space we have doesn't really matter. Long term on that money then ok, fair argument.
  - iamnot > LB June 6, 2025 at 11:58am
    
    I wouldn't be surprised if Parra make a play for him. MON needs a win after the Galvin debacle.
    - Anguillidae > iamnot June 6, 2025 at 1:07pm
      
      O'Neill might see Gagai as a 'win' but I certainly wouldn't. We can do better.
      - Uncle Wizardssleeve- Indigenous Elder-Freemason Hunter -He/Him > Anguillidae June 6, 2025 at 9:35pm
        
        MON would spend $1000 on scratchies and scratch a $2 free scratchie and see it as a win
Muttman June 6, 2025 at 11:52am

I'd take him. He's still a quality, genuine centre with great feet and hands. He's better than Russell at Centre.
- LB > Muttman June 6, 2025 at 11:57am
  
  Well his experience and leadership would be valuable. We have seen how JAC gets talked up for his influence on the juniors, Gagai can be the same.
  - Poppa > LB June 6, 2025 at 1:01pm
    
    In the past 2/3 years Gagai would have been a very good and astute buy.
    
    I think a combination of father time and higher choices for us, means this ship has passed us by.
    
    See no logical role for him, we need a centre with size and strike. Brdaman Best style.....any around?
- shane > Muttman June 6, 2025 at 1:39pm
  
  disagrre Muttman, have you watch his defence, absolutely garabage rushing up leaving holes in the line, russells defense is 100% better and we are finally fixing our gdge defense, Gagi would put us back at the beginning with crap edge defense and he runs around like a headless chook offerind nothing.