Jacob Gagai hoping to follow brother Dane’s path to NRL stardom
JACOB Gagai, the younger brother of Dane, is hoping to catch the eye of NRL scouts this Friday night when he represents the CRL against Samoa.
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JACOB Gagai spends his weekdays laying asphalt with a road gang.
Which is different to big brother.
You know, that Queensland Origin star who recently inked a $2 million deal to join South Sydney.
“But Dane, he’s a wonderful role model,” younger brother says. “I’m not only proud of him, but extremely grateful to have him as my brother.
“And who knows? Hopefully one day I can join him in the NRL, too.”
Still only 21, Gagai has the perfect opportunity to catch the eye of NRL scouts this Friday night when he represents the Country Rugby League side in a trial match against Samoa in Wagga.
Under a new CRL initiative, all players now selected for the bush representative side must be aged under 23.
The aim is to ensure those young players who develop too late to make a name in U/20s still have another pathway into the NRL.
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Better, CRL officialdom is determined to continually pit its young guns against high-quality opponents like the Samoan World Cup squad, who will play some of its biggest names including Frank Pritchard, Josh Papalii and Joey Leilua.
After completing high school in Mackay, Gagai moved to Newcastle where he played both SG Ball and U/20s. A centre like his brother, Jacob then spent a season with the Brisbane Broncos U/20s before returning to the Hunter this year.
While signed to the Knights NSW Cup squad, the young indigenous flyer spent much of his year with Lakes United.
“And now to playing Samoa, it’s a great opportunity,” he said. “I know there are going to be a lot of eyes on this game, scouts from NRL clubs and whatever.
“But in saying that, I can’t be worried what’s happening over the other side of the fence.
“I just need to concentrate on my game.”
And as for what advice big brother has given him?
“Ah, it’s not rocket science,’’ he laughs. “Dane gives me a few tips but usually the best one is just to back yourself.”
While set to start long odds against Samoa, CRL officials are excited by the inclusion of several young players including Brendan O’Hagan, who played NSW U/18s last year. Backrower Jake Lawrence is another to watch given he played NSW U/16s with the likes of Jack Bird, Bryce Cartwright and Jake Trbojevic.
And of course keep an eye on the kid who lays asphalt in between chasing his NRL dream.
“I’m really lucky with my employer, NewPave Asphalt,” Gagai says. “They understand that my goal is to make it in footy so they’re really flexible with me.
“Whenever I need the time, I get it.
“So who knows?
“My career, it’s been a bit up and down. I’ve moved around a bit.
“But I definitely haven’t given up on playing NRL”.
Originally published as Jacob Gagai hoping to follow brother Dane’s path to NRL stardom
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