Veteran rugby league star Dane Gagai is preparing for a major career change following Newcastle’s surprising choice not to renew his contract. The 34-year-old former State of Origin standout has opened the door to a return to Sydney, signaling to rival NRL clubs that he’s available and open to offers. Gagai has been one of the Knights’ most reliable and consistent players in a season otherwise filled with disappointment, making the club’s decision all the more unexpected to many fans and observers.
Currently earning $400,000 a year, Gagai is facing a crossroads in his long and illustrious NRL journey. Despite his strong performances and leadership presence, Newcastle is choosing to shift its focus toward developing younger talent and navigating the pressures of a tightening salary cap. Club captain Kalyn Ponga’s $1.4 million annual salary already weighs heavily on the budget, and with the addition of Eels five-eighth Dylan Brown — who has reportedly signed a 10-year deal worth $13 million — sacrifices have to be made elsewhere in the squad.
The fallout of this decision could prove significant for both Gagai and the club. Speaking candidly to The Newcastle Herald, Gagai confirmed he won’t hesitate to leave the Hunter region if necessary. “I’ll leave if I have to,” Gagai said. “I love the club, but I’ve got no issues with moving back to Sydney if that’s how it turns out. I’ve handed it over to my manager. I’d rather not say too much more right now — we’ll see how things play out.”
His public stance has now made him a serious target for rival clubs in need of an experienced and high-quality centre. Gagai is no stranger to Sydney, having previously played for South Sydney, and he’s also well-known for his exploits at representative level. A veteran of 22 State of Origin matches for Queensland, Gagai was part of the Maroons squad as recently as last year and continues to perform at a high level.
Despite his age, Gagai’s reputation as a dependable performer hasn’t faded. In fact, he remains a key figure in the Knights’ starting backline and one of the most consistent players in the squad. But even if he agreed to a reduced contract, Newcastle appears ready to move on regardless. Reports suggest that the club is eager to create opportunities for younger talents such as James Schiller, who’s pushing for a regular centre role, and the exciting Fletcher Hunt, a rising outside back making waves in the lower grades.
Meanwhile, the list of player exits from Newcastle continues to grow. The club is set to lose prop Leo Thompson, who will join the Canterbury Bulldogs in 2026, and English second-rower Kai Pearce-Paul, who has already signed a three-year deal with the Wests Tigers. These changes underscore the club’s shift in direction, favoring long-term squad development and financial sustainability over veteran retention.
News of Gagai’s availability is already creating buzz across the league. According to NRLCentral, his management team has begun informal talks with other clubs to assess interest in bringing the experienced centre on board. Given his wealth of experience — over 300 NRL games, consistent Origin appearances, and the ability to mentor younger players — Gagai presents as a valuable short-term asset for any team seeking to bolster its backline.
His potential exit comes in a turbulent time for the Knights. Jackson Hastings, another big-money signing, is also on the way out after coach Adam O’Brien confirmed his deal won’t be renewed. That development has further frustrated fans, many of whom are now scratching their heads at the loss of multiple experienced campaigners, particularly someone as respected as Gagai.
Despite all this off-field uncertainty, Gagai remains firmly focused on his on-field responsibilities. He’s once again been selected to start for Newcastle in their upcoming away clash against the in-form Dolphins. The Knights — who sit at a disappointing 15th on the NRL ladder — are welcoming back Bradman Best from injury and Kalyn Ponga from Origin duty. In a boost to their backline, Dominic Young has also been named to start after returning to the club, adding firepower to a side desperate for a strong performance.
The situation has drawn strong reactions from Newcastle fans, many of whom are calling for the club to reconsider its decision on Gagai. Social media platforms have seen a wave of support for the veteran, with numerous supporters urging the Knights to “do the right thing” and find a way to keep him, even if it requires creative salary cap management or a slightly restructured deal.
However, the reality is that professional sport is often a numbers game. With high-priced contracts eating into available cap space, Newcastle faces tough decisions. Despite his contribution, Gagai may simply be a victim of a changing club strategy — one that favors emerging prospects and long-term planning over experienced veterans.
The veteran’s next destination is still unknown, but Gagai is clearly not ready to hang up the boots. His body is still holding up, and his form on the field suggests he can continue to contribute meaningfully to any side that picks him up. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge, calm under pressure, and the kind of big-game experience that is hard to find.
In a league where depth and experience in the backline are crucial — particularly around Origin time and finals runs — a number of Sydney clubs could come calling. Whether it’s a team pushing for a top-four finish or one rebuilding its culture, Gagai represents a solid short-term investment.
In summary, Dane Gagai’s future at the Newcastle Knights looks all but over, as the club prioritizes youth and battles cap constraints. While fans voice their disappointment, the 34-year-old remains composed and open-minded about what comes next. A move back to Sydney appears increasingly likely, with clubs now circling the former Origin star. Wherever he lands, Gagai will bring professionalism, passion, and a proven track record that few in the NRL can match.
