Bio

Dane Gagai (born 3 January 1991) is a professional rugby league footballer and boxer who plays as a centre and winger for the Newcastle Knights in the NRL. He has played for Australia and New Zealand Maori at international level. He previously played for the Brisbane Broncos and Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League. He has played for the Indigenous All Stars, Queensland in the State of Origin series and the Prime Minister's XIII. In 2017 he was the Origin player of the series. Background Gagai was born in Mackay, Queensland, Australia. He is of Torres Strait Islander heritage through his father's family and Ngati Pikiao Maori descent by way of his mother's ancestry. Gagai's father, Ray, was a member of the Brisbane Broncos' squad in the 1989 NSWRL season. He is also the cousin of Parramatta Eels player Josh Hoffman, former Broncos player Wendell Sailor and current Broncos player Travis Waddell. Gagai is eligible to play for both Australia and New Zealand through parents of Indigenous Australian and Māori. He played his junior football for Brisbane Wests before being signed by the Brisbane Broncos.