After a season boasting a number of impressive representative honours as well as stand out performances for the Newcastle Knights, Dane Gagai has been recognised with the 2015 NRL Coaches Award.
“It’s a great achievement in my career and I’d just liken to thank Danny Buderus and Rick Stone,” Gagai told Knights TV on Friday night.
“It’s been a tough season for the Newcastle Knights, but I think this award is a great honour.
“I just want to thank the people who chose me.”
While the Knights’ season fell short of expectations, Gagai can reflect on plenty of highlights, with the most memorable being the moment he secured his long-term future at the Club.
“The highlight of my year was just before we played the Sharks (Round 6) when I re-signed,” he said.
“It wasn’t the season that we wanted to finish of on, but I see the young guys who are coming through like Sione Mata’utia, Joe Tapine and Jake Mamo and I guess those young guys coming through made me look to the future and the potential the Club had.
“It’s something I want to be a part of.”
With 2015 now done and dusted, Gagai is now focused on making improvements in 2016.
“I’m looking forward to getting off to a good start like we did this year but building on it and being consistent,’ he said.
“I met (newly appointed coach) Nathan Brown…and seeing what he had to offer and after having a good chat and I got a good vibe off him so I’m looking forward to what he has to offer.”
