Dane Gagai makes stunning comparison between South Sydney and Queensland’s Origin champions

SOUTH Sydney’s star recruit Dane Gagai has made a stunning comparison ahead of his first game for his new club.

WHEN Dane Gagai is playing on the end of the champion Queensland backline he looks just about untouchable.

And South Sydney’s star recruit has now made a stunning comparison ahead of Gagai’s first game for his new club in Saturday’s Charity Shield.

Not only does he think Souths can be a force this year but he says they have the genuine “X-factor” that reminds Gagai of playing for the Maroons.

While the 27-year-old is considered one of the NRL’s most dangerous attacking weapons, Gagai’s try-scoring record at club level doesn’t reflect what he has achieved in the game’s toughest arena.

In Gagai’s seven seasons in NRL he has never scored more than seven tries in a single season, crossing for only 33 tries in 134 NRL games.

It’s a strike rate that pales in comparison to the seven tries he has scored in just seven games for Queensland.

But the man judged Queensland’s player of the series last year is adamant he now has the talent alongside him to help take his own club form to the next level.

“Definitely,” Gagai said.

Dane Gagai is tipping big things for the Rabbitohs.

“That is why I am really excited about this year. I looked at this club and I obviously just didn’t say, ‘Oh sweet, they want me, I am going there’.

“I obviously looked at the team they have. It has that combination of experience and youth. And then you have got players like Cody Walker with just that natural footballing ability. (Walker) can just create something from nothing.

“I have been fortunate enough to play at Origin level where I am playing alongside Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater, JT, Cameron Smith, GI, whoever. I definitely see that in this team.

“Some of the stuff these guys are coming up with at training, there is definitely that X-factor. I am really looking forward to playing footy alongside these guys.”

Dane Gagai has scored seven tries in seven State of Origin games for Queensland.

After finishing the last two seasons in 12th spot, the inclusion of Gagai and the return of Greg Inglis will give the Bunnies a whole new ­dimension this year.

Souths were equal 10th in tries scored last year and came in 12th in overall line breaks.

But under new coach Anthony Seibold, the Rabbitohs are promising to play a fresh brand of attack this year.

Gagai admits it is frustrating hearing people constantly underestimate a team he believes can challenge for the title.

“I just got back from Palm Beach on the weekend and a bloke came up with his son and asked if his son could get a photo of me,’ Gagai said.

Dane Gagai believes the Rabbitohs can be a force in 2018.

“The bloke said to me, ‘Oh, you played good footy last year but I think you are going to struggle at Souths.

“Like, we are not going to be a competitive team.

“That straight away put a bit of fire in my belly.

“But I definitely want to prove a lot of people wrong.

“This club has finished 12th the last couple of years.

“But there is definitely the potential there to be a premiership contender.

“No one enjoys losing and I can see it in these boys’ eyes.

“They want to play finals.”

Originally published as Dane Gagai makes stunning comparison between South Sydney and Queensland’s Origin champions