Roosters earmark Gagai as best replacement for departing Suaalii, Manu

Sydney has circled in-form Dane Gagai as the best ready-made replacement for departing centre combo Joseph Suaalii and Joey Manu, both of whom are leaving the Roosters to play rugby union next year.

Gagai, who recently turned 33, likely has one last contract in his NRL career before he starts thinking about hanging up the boots.

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The biggest difference in the impending battle between the Roosters and the Newcastle Knights, where Gagai has been since 2022, is seasons on the deal. Gagai reportedly wants a multi-year contract, according to Wide World of Sports reports, but The Sporting Base has heard the Knights would prefer to table a 12-month extension.

There’s been nothing official from the Roosters just yet, but the WWOS reports suggest Sydney powerbrokers have already discussed an approach sometime soon—they want to secure their centres for 2025 quite quickly.

No matter where he signs, Gagai is likely facing a sizeable haircut on his pay packet from next year.

Right now, the 33-year-old centre is earning around $750,000 a season with the Knights, but considering his age he’s going to be looking at $200,000 less if he wants to play on.

Every expectation would be it’s not going to be the worst shave in the world though; Gagai has been lighting it up for Adam O’Brien and Newcastle in the last six months, especially during the club’s 10-game winning run to make the 2023 finals. He’s already clocked up 24 tackle breaks, two line breaks, and a try in a shaky 2024 Knights campaign too.

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With Suaalii and Manu both leaving, the Roosters may still look for a second centre to sign before 2025 too, but for the time being Gagai is the name at the top of their lists.