Dane Gagai linked to Newcastle Knights return as star centre weighs up future

Out-of-contract rep centre Dane Gagai could be in line for a sensational return to former club Newcastle following the end of the season.

Gagai’s lucrative deal with South Sydney is up at the end of the year and several clubs are understood to be interested in the 30-year-old.

The Rabbitohs’ salary cap situation, which saw premiership-winning halfback and captain Adam Reynolds sign with the Broncos after only being offered a one-year contract at Redfern, is also set to see Gagai in new colours in 2022.

Speaking on SEN, Daily Telegraph journalist David Riccio said the Knights were looking at bringing the Maroons centre back to the club he spent six seasons with.

“You can lock this one in, Newcastle Knights fans,” Riccio said.

“There’s keen, keen interest to lure Dane Gagai back to the club.

“They believe they’re short an experienced strike centre and they believe Dane Gagai – who I understand still owns property in Newcastle and has a keen interest in returning to the Knights…”

Gagai is among the NRL’s top earners in his position, on a reported $700,000 this season, though he’s unlikely to secure a deal for that figure for next season.

“Money speaks all languages and whether the Knights can come up with the contract figure Dane Gagai is asking for, around $500,000-$550,000,” Riccio added.

“There are a couple of clubs interested in Dane Gagai so he’s been taking his time, but there’s absolutely no doubt the Knights want him.”

Gagai has scored 66 tries in 216 NRL games since he debuted for the Broncos in 2011, while also crossing 11 times in 17 appearances for Queensland.

His addition would bring some much-needed class and experience to the Knights’ backline.

With a host of players coming off contract at the end of the season, Newcastle are in a position to shuffle their roster in order to find the funds for a player like Gagai.

Kurt Mann, Connor Watson, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Enari Tuala, Edrick Lee, Hymel Hunt and Tex Hoy are all unsigned beyond 2021.