Veteran Novocastrian centre Dane Gagai has firmly indicated he has no intention of hanging up his boots anytime soon, with plans to continue his decorated NRL career well beyond the 2026 season. The 35-year-old, a stalwart of the game with over 300 NRL appearances and a significant portion of his career spent at the Newcastle Knights since 2012 across two stints, is currently off contract at the end of this year but remains resolutely committed to playing on.
“I’ve had discussions with my manager, and my plan is definitely not to stop, nor is it to ease up,” Gagai shared with the Newcastle Herald. “As I’ve always maintained, it’s not simply about playing for as long as my body allows. It’s about whether I lose that burning passion for the game and the drive to compete, or if I simply can’t physically keep up anymore.”
He added, with a touch of good fortune, “Thankfully, I’ve never had to undergo any major surgeries, my body feels good, I’m still agile on the field, and that passion for playing is still very much alive.”
Gagai, a proud Queensland and Australian representative, achieved the significant milestone of 300 NRL games midway through last season. This accomplishment was followed by a one-year contract extension with the Newcastle Knights. His dedication to the club was further recognised in 2022 when he was awarded life membership at the Red and Blue after surpassing 150 games for the team.
The seasoned centre commenced his 16th NRL season last weekend. The Knights kicked off their campaign with a victory over the North Queensland Cowboys in Las Vegas, with Gagai contributing 109 metres from 13 runs, breaking five tackles, making 18 tackles, and providing a try assist for Dom Young in the 28-18 win.
Gagai is one of several key Knights players whose contracts are set to expire at the conclusion of the 2026 season. He is joined by Tyson Frizell, Greg Marzhew, Brodie Jones, Tyson Gamble, and Wilson De Courcey, all of whom will be assessing their futures.
Despite his contract situation, Gagai confirmed that his immediate focus remains squarely on the Newcastle Knights’ current campaign. He expressed a strong belief in the current squad’s potential to contend for the NRL’s ultimate prize.
Belief in Knights’ Premiership Hopes
“I was fortunate enough to play in a grand final back in 2021, and I genuinely believe we have assembled a squad capable of putting ourselves in a strong position to compete for one of those top spots,” Gagai stated. “So, while my primary focus is absolutely on 2026 and our performance this year, I can definitively say I’ll be playing beyond that season.”
Potential Move to Perth?
Should Gagai’s future lie away from Newcastle, his long-standing relationship with Mal Meninga, who is set to coach the incoming Perth Bears, could potentially pave the way for him to be a part of the club’s inaugural squad. Meninga, a legendary figure in Australian rugby league and a former coach of Gagai at both state and national levels, would undoubtedly see the value in a player of Gagai’s experience and calibre.
This potential move highlights the enduring appeal and impact of Gagai’s presence in the NRL. His commitment to playing on, combined with his proven track record and continued passion for the game, suggests that fans can expect to see the veteran centre on the field for several more seasons to come, wherever that may be. His longevity in a physically demanding sport is a testament to his dedication, professionalism, and the enduring love he holds for rugby league.
