Gagai hopes hard work pays off

After signing with the Newcastle Knights midway through the 2012 season, Dane Gagai quickly found a home in the centres, notching up 12 appearances in the red and blue.

Now four weeks in to the pre-season, Gagai admits he still has a lot of hard work in front of him before running out in the starting line-up next year.

“I was fortunate enough to get an opportunity to play inside Aku (Uate) and we formed a good combination,” the 21-year-old said on Knights TV.

“Hopefully we can keep working on that this pre-season.

“I still haven’t got my claim on the number three, there are a fair few guys in the squad that are looking really good and pushing for that position.

“I have to keep doing everything right and work hard so I can keep my spot in the team.”

Gagai says while the first two weeks of the pre-season was a real test for his teammates, they are really enjoying the chance to pick up the football again.

“It is good to have Wayne (Bennett) back at training and are starting to get in to the skills sessions now,” he said.

“The first part of the pre-season was a struggle but all the boys are looking good and we have all come back keen to do whatever it takes to get ready for the season.”

Gagai’s younger brother Jacob moved to Newcastle last week to join the Knight’s SG Ball team.

“It is really good having Jacob down here because I had no other family here in Newcastle,” he said.

“He has just moved out of my parents home and is living with Alex (McKinnon) and I.

“He tends to get a bit homesick which I also did when I first moved here, so I am trying to keep him busy.”