‘It’s awesome to see him back’: Jacob Gagai stoked to see Dane back in the Maroons side as the younger brother forges his own NRL path

Jacob Gagai never lost belief that his elder brother would win back his Origin jersey, with the siblings both rewarded for their excellent form in 2024.

Dane Gagai is set to bring back the fire out wide after the Maroons veteran was recalled for the State of Origin decider. Picture: NRL Imagery

Jacob Gagai never gave up hope that his brother would fight his way back into the Queensland side, with a “career best” run of form earning Dane a recall for next week’s State of Origin decider where he’ll be expected to bring the aggression out wide that the Maroons have sorely missed this series.

Now 33, Dane has been in outstanding form for the Knights, with the veteran centre crossing twice in their gutsy win over the Raiders last week that cemented his spot in Billy Slater’s side.

It looked like his Origin career was over after he was overlooked last year, and while they won without him, there’s no doubt the Maroons have missed his toughness.

The 22-game veteran has been brought in and will take on Newcastle teammate Bradman Best, with the Maroons keen to hit back after they were bullied by the Blues in Melbourne.

Dane Gagai has always caused problems for the Blues. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

“He’s done so much in that Origin arena so I thought he could come back,” Jacob said.

“To be honest, what we saw last year and the form he’s carried this year, I was telling him the other day that I think he’s in career-best form.

“It’s definitely deserved to see him back in a Queensland jersey, and I can’t wait to see him play.

“He was a bit disappointed (not to be picked last year) given what Queensland means to us and our family.

“Any Queenslander or anyone from NSW would love to play in that arena, so it’s awesome to see him back.”

Dane has always lifted when he pulls on a Queensland jersey, with the crafty outside back scoring 12 tries in his career and becoming the first winger to claim the prestigious Wally Lewis Medal as player of the 2017 series.

It’s one of two special memories that stand out in his younger brother’s eyes, with Jacob set to fly up to Brisbane to watch Dane in what could be his final Origin appearance.

Gagai won the Wally Lewis Medal for his outstanding 2017 series. Picture: AAP Image/Darren England

“Being there for his debut was awesome,” he said.

“I remember seeing him singing the anthem and they were all lined up facing the families. He caught eyes with our family and locked eyes, and I remember having that moment with him which made me tear up a bit knowing how far he’s come.

“Seeing him make history as the only winger to win the Wally Lewis Medal (was awesome). Those are two very special memories for me.”

Jacob, 28, has had a very different career and has had to work hard just to get an opportunity in the NRL where he scored on debut in Las Vegas this year and been a shining light on the wing for Souths.

Jacob Gagai has made the most of his opportunity in the NRL after waiting years to make his debut. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“He’s persevered and persevered and persevered. He got his opportunity and he’s reaping the rewards at the moment,” South Sydney star Cody Walker said of his younger teammate who had spent years working hard in reserve grade.

“The beauty of Jacob’s form at the moment isn’t the try-scoring ability that we all see, it’s the effort and desire he has to want to stop tries.

“He’s worked extremely hard over the past couple of years to get an opportunity, and I’m really happy for him because I’ve spent quite a bit of time with him.”