New South Sydney Rabbitohs recruit Dane Gagai explained the exciting mix of established seniors and promising youngsters is what made him hyped to be part of a new era in Redfern.
Picking up his new set of wheels at Suttons Arncliffe, the Australian representative says that during negotiations with Souths, he watched his new teammates closely and got excited about what he saw.
“When I was in negotiations I was watching the games closely, and there was a lot of young players that I really liked,” said Gagai.
It’s been well documented that Rabbitohs superstar, Greg Inglis, is very keen to have Gagai on board in 2018.
However, the Wally Lewis medallist said there was more than just the lure of G.I that influenced his decision to sign with the Rabbitohs.
“He definitely was part of it (Greg Inglis) but it was also the makeup of the youth this team has got,” said Gagai.
Dane Gagai“It’s a good mix of youth and senior players I think that was probably the thing that got me most excited and intrigued.”
“I’m happy with my decision and like I said I can’t wait to chuck on that jersey and represent it the best way I can.”
Settling down near Coogee Beach, Gagai can’t wait to unpack the bags and knuckle down on what is important.
“I’m definitely looking forward to getting into training with the boys I know they’ve been working hard,” he said.
It has been quite the year for Gagai, who was named State of Origin’s man of the series and more recently a part of the Kangaroo’s Rugby league World Cup triumph.
“It was a big couple of weeks but it was an unbelievable experience and I had the privilege to play alongside some great players and playing against some,” Gagai added.
“It was just a great campaign and I was fortunate enough to win a World Cup.”
However, now that his extracurricular commitments are over, the talented back is looking forward to meeting up with his new teammates and getting stuck in.
“I’ve been following the Rabbitohs website to see how the boys are going, I haven’t had the chance to catch up with too many,” Gagai said.
“I’m just looking forward to getting into preseason and mixing it up with the boys, working hard and preparing for 2018.”
