Newcastle Knights centre Dane Gagai has been cleared to switch his Tier 1 international eligibility from Australia to New Zealand, International Rugby League confirmed on Saturday, opening the door to a possible Kiwis call-up for Rugby League World Cup 2026 just a day before the NRL grand final.
An IRL Appeals Committee approved Gagai’s application to change allegiance after his initial bid was rejected under rules that normally lock players who have represented Australia, England or New Zealand into that Tier 1 nation. NRL.com reported the decision on Saturday afternoon (Sydney time), framing a potential World Cup opener clash with Latrell Mitchell.
Why the switch was allowed
Gagai qualifies for New Zealand through his mother Tania and has represented his Ngāti Pikiāo heritage by playing for Māori All Stars since 2019, IRL said. He previously played for Australia and was part of the Kangaroos side that won the 2017 World Cup final. He has not played for Australia since 2018 and was left out of the preliminary 40-man squad for RLWC 2026.
IRL recently allowed Kalyn Ponga to switch to New Zealand and AJ Brimson to play for England after both had represented Australia at the 2019 World Cup Nines. Origin eligibility changes also let Briton Nikora, Casey McLean and Addin Fonua-Blake play State of Origin despite New Zealand representation. The Appeals Committee accepted that Gagai — a 23-game Queensland Origin player — had not been given the same option.
IRL chair Troy Grant said there were “special circumstances” in Gagai’s case, with ARLC executive chairman Peter V’landys and Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters supporting the application.
“Dane hasn’t played for Australia for eight years and we didn’t want him to be disadvantaged compared to other players with recent rule changes,” Grant said.
“Dane wrote to us and Peter V’landys was very supportive. He felt there should be a bit of an amnesty period because we didn’t want one player disadvantaged over another, given that Dane wasn’t in the Kangaroos squad and it has been so long since he has played at international level. Kevin Walters was supportive too.”
“Dane didn’t have the same option as other players who can play State of Origin and represent their heritage.”
“It was felt that there were special circumstances in his case so Dane is now available for selection by New Zealand, and it is now up to them whether they pick him.”
World Cup and grand final context
NRL.com’s Brad Walter reported the 35-year-old is aiming to help the Knights finish a fairytale grand final run against the Sydney Roosters on Sunday, and that he is set to finish his NRL career at the Brisbane Broncos. Walter also noted Gagai’s first Kiwis assignment could be opposite Mitchell in Australia’s World Cup opener against New Zealand at Allianz Stadium on 15 October — the pair having clashed in Newcastle’s finals win over South Sydney — but New Zealand has not yet named him in a squad.
Zero Tackle likewise reported the IRL approval on Saturday morning and noted Gagai could eventually link with Knights teammate Ponga in a Kiwis backline if both are selected. Selection remains New Zealand’s call.
IRL also approved Kaiyah Atai to play for New Zealand after she had represented Cook Islands in a 2024 World Cup qualifier; that Ferns ruling is separate from Gagai’s case.
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