Gagai’s Knights loyalty sees him knock back Roosters approach

Knights veteran Dane Gagai has declared his Newcastle loyalty by knocking back a two-year offer from the Sydney Roosters.

While Gagai did meet with Chooks brass, the 33-year-old was quick to turn down the offer from the tricolours to instead continue his playing career in the Hunter.

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The biggest reason, The Sporting Base understands, is twofold: Gagai loves Newcastle and wants to stay as long as possible—and was very hesitant to uproot his family to move back to Sydney—and the Knights have privately suggested they’re very happy to retain Gagai in 2026 when the star’s contract option becomes available.

Trent Robinson and Sydney had high hopes to pinch the Knight until he called them Wednesday.

The Roosters pushed quite hard for the Queensland Origin matchwinner because the club is just about to to watch Joseph Suaalii, Joey Manu, Daniel Tupou, and Michael Jennings leave. They’re also resigned to losing Angus Crichton to rugby soon too.

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Gagai has already played a huge 177 games for the Knights in two stints between 2012 and 2017 and then again from 2022 onward. He’s also represented the Rabbitohs and the Broncos.