Dane Gagai takes Maoris over Indigenous All Stars to represent his mother

Dane Gagai chose to represent the Maori All Stars instead of the Indigenous side because it gave him the chance to honour his mother’s heratige for the first time.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 07: Dane Gagai of the Rabbitohs scores a try during the NRL Qualifying Final match between the Melbourne Storm and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at AAMI Park on September 7, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

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It was finally time for an emotional Dane Gagai to represent his mum’s heritage – even if that meant taking to the field against his long-time indigenous brothers.

The South Sydney and Queensland star has revealed how he made the agonising decision to reject the indigenous side for the February 15 All Stars match in Melbourne because he wanted to finally honour his mother, Tania.

Gagai was eligible for both sides with most anticipating he would return to the indigenous team for a fourth occasion. But he opted for the Maori side – a decision which touched Tania.

Tania was born on New Zealand’s North Island while Gagai’s dad, Ray, has Torres Strait Island heritage.

Gagai has played for the Indigenous All Stars before. AAP Image/Darren Pateman.

Gagai had sided with dad when playing for the indigenous sides in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

This time however he wanted to represent Tania and chose the Maoris, despite being considered an indigenous leader.

“It was just a choice I made based on my background. I have represented the indigenous team before and saw there was an opportunity to play for the Maori team that I couldn’t pass up,” Gagai told The Daily Telegraph

“My Mum was born in New Zealand. She was stoked when I made the decision.

“She knew I had played for the indigenous boys and thought that is what I was going to do again.

“When I let her I was playing for the Maori team he was obviously over-the-moon.”

Gagai admitted it was a difficult decision to knock down his indigenous brothers.

Dane Gagai with his family, including his mum, Tania (front row left).

“Definitely,” he said. “But that’s the thing - I’m not choosing this team over that. It was just a chance to represent the Maori and I wasn’t going to pass that up.

“My dad is a Torres Strait Islanders. He was born in Mackay but his parents were born in Torres Strait, that is where my family come from.”

Gagai and his South Sydney teammates are now preparing for the looming trial matches under new coach Wayne Bennett.

The gruelling and tedious off-season training is just about over.

“Wayne has been great – I have played under him before,” Gagai said.

“It was a matter of seeing how the boys took the noise (Anthony Seibold’s departure) in the pre-season but everyone has adapted well, everyone is focused and Wayne is doing a great job.

Gagai will begin his second season with South Sydney. AAP Image/Craig Golding.

“We had a nice little break and didn’t have to go back until January 7. Everything is going well. We’re not just looking forward to the trial matches and the season kicking off.”

Souths superstar Greg Inglis is back training after he was ruled out of the match with a knee injury.

Inglis will retire after next season and has publicly set his sights on one more premiership.

“Everyone knows the things Greggy has done and how competitive he is,” Gagai said. “We all saw that after he did his knee in round one two years ago.

“For him to stay out there and keep playing just showed what type of person he is. He is a leader that doesn’t have to say much. He just leads with direction.

“We are definitely looking forward to getting out on the field with him again and hopefully get the big fella another premiership.”

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Originally published as Dane Gagai takes Maoris over Indigenous All Stars to represent his mother