Star Knight returns to Broncos 15 years after axing

By JOEL GOULD

Newcastle Knights veteran Dane Gagai will finish his career where it all started after signing a one-year deal with the Brisbane Broncos.

The 35-year-old is in top form, but the Knights were not in a position to offer him a new contract for 2027.

Instead, he will return to the Broncos club he last played for in 2012 when he had his contract torn up after a string of disciplinary breaches.

That early glitch in his career turned out to be a blessing in disguise as he joined the Novocastrians under mentor Wayne Bennett and then played under him again at South Sydney before returning to Newcastle.

Dane Gagai scored three times in six games during his debut, and only, season for Brisbane in 2011. (Colin Whelan/AAP PHOTOS)

Mackay-born Gagai, who has played 328 NRL games, became one of Queensland’s most reliable finishers in 23 State of Origin games and represented Australia in seven Tests

Gagai will join a Broncos side that have already lost outside back Jesse Arthars to Catalans for next year and that is expected to be without Test centre Gehamat Shibasaki in 2027.

Brisbane recruitment boss Simon Scanlan said Gagai was a wonderful acquisition and would be a fine mentor to the club’s young outside backs.

“The Broncos are very excited to see Dane making a return to Red Hill in 2027,” he said.

“His form this season has been outstanding and he has undoubtedly been one of the form centres this year.

“As we continue to develop our young outside backs, having experienced professionals around them is incredibly important. Dane’s leadership, professionalism and proven performance at the highest level make him a valuable addition to our club.”

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