Gagai Discusses NRL Prospects Post-2026

Dane Gagai, the experienced centre from Newcastle, is not considering retiring from the NRL anytime soon.

At 35 years old, Gagai boasts over 300 NRL appearances, primarily spending his career with the Newcastle Knights since 2012, except for a brief period away.

He is set to become a free agent at the end of this season, yet Gagai is eager to extend his playing journey.

"I've spoken to my manager, and I'm not planning on stopping, I'm not planning on slowing down," he shared with the Newcastle Herald.

He added, "Like I've always said, it's not just playing as long as I can, it's whether I lose the passion for playing the game of footy and competing, or I just can't physically keep up."

Gagai also noted, "Touch wood, I've never had any operations, body feels good, still moving well around the park, and the passion is still there."

A representative for both Queensland and Australia, Gagai celebrated his 300th game last season and subsequently extended his contract with Newcastle for another year.

In 2022, he was also granted life membership at the Knights after playing more than 150 games for the franchise.

Beginning his 16th NRL season last weekend, Gagai helped the Knights secure a 28-18 win over the North Queensland Cowboys in Las Vegas, contributing 109 metres from 13 runs, five tackle busts, 18 tackles, and assisting a try for Dom Young.

He is among six Knights players whose contracts expire at the end of the 2026 season, alongside Tyson Frizell, Greg Marzhew, Brodie Jones, Tyson Gamble, and Wilson De Courcey.