Knights coach Wayne Bennett steps in to save rare talent Dane Gagai from 'what if?' future

WAYNE Bennett says he felt the urge to resurrect the career of Dane Gagai to avert the sacked Broncos rookie from a lifetime of regret.

Dane Gagai Brisbane Broncos

MASTER coach Wayne Bennett says he felt the urge to resurrect the career of Dane Gagai to avert the sacked Broncos rookie from a lifetime of regret.

Rated one of the game's hottest backline prospects, Gagai's career was at the crossroads last month when the 21-year-old was released by Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin following a series of minor disciplinary breaches.

Gagai has been languishing in Queensland Cup with Redcliffe, but arrived in Newcastle last week on a two-year deal hoping to make the most of his shot at redemption under Bennett.

It is unclear when Gagai will be used in the top grade, but Bennett said the priority was ensuring the speedy outside back did not go off the rails without rugby league.

"I'm a fan of talent and Dane Gagai is a rare talent," Bennett told The Sunday Mail ahead of today's clash against his and Gagai's former club at Suncorp Stadium.

"The game has done so much for so many young men and I just believe in people to be honest with you.

"I don't think there's too many of us who haven't made mistakes in life and don't have regrets about decisions we make.

"Sometimes a young kid doesn't get it right the first time and some guys need a bit more help than others.

"We live in a society that can be ruthless on a lot of issues but I'm not ruthless.

"That (issuing a lifeline) is something I don't mind doing with Dane because I don't want to see his wonderful talent lost to the game and I don't want him to go through the rest of his life with a lot of regrets because he didn't live the dream."

Bennett, who coached Gagai's father Ray at the Broncos, said it was vital the Knights surrounded Gagai with the right support structures.

Gagai has played just six NRL games but is regarded as a future State of Origin star and Bennett has no concerns about his history of missing training sessions at the Broncos.

"Dane Gagai doesn't bring a lot of bad habits," Bennett said.

"We're not talking about drug or alcohol abuse, we're not dealing with a guy who has assaulted anyone. It's a few disciplinary issues and we can work on that with Dane."