28-07-2025
Ricky Stuart's calls out rival after 'disrespectful' contract offer to Origin player
Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has called out the Newcastle Knights for the contract saga surrounding Dane Gagai after reports the current fullback feels 'disrespected'. Gagai was a standout for the Knights, despite the side losing 44-18 in Canberra to Stuart's men.
The Raiders maintained their lead at the top of the NRL ladder, while the Knights will enjoy a bye this weekend as their injury list takes a toll on the inexperienced side. But one of the shining lights in the second-half of the season has been Gagai who is deputising at fullback in Kalyn Ponga's absence.
Gagai never gave up for the Knights, despite a number of Bunker calls going against them, with the Canberra Raiders piling on the points in the second-half. And Gagai has been in a standoff with the Knights over a new contract.
The 34-year-old is currently on a $400,000-a-year-deal with Newcastle but the club are prioritising some of their talented younger players going forward. Reports suggest the club have offered Gagai an extension in 2026, but he would have to take a slight pay cut.
Although this seems brutal on the veteran who has been one of the side's best players in a dismal season. And Raiders coach Stuart came out swinging for Gagai and took aim at his rival club.
"You look at Dane Gagai and he'd be the first player I would re-sign," Stuart said after the game. "He was by far the hungriest, best player out there tonight. He just never stopped trying. That builds teams."
Gagai recently claimed he felt 'disrespected' at the Knights' offer and wouldn't be against moving his family to a new city if a deal can't be reached. 'I've been taken for granted because they didn't think I'd move my family again,' Gagai told . 'The disrespect is the biggest thing. I know Adz [coach Adam O'Brien] still wants me around. He's made me captain so I must be doing something right.'
Knights fans have urged the club to keep the veteran who only proved against the Raiders he is still one of their best players. Regardless, it appears Gagai will have a decision on his hand come the end of the season.
Knights urged to keep Dane Gagai in 2026
Earlier this month, NRL reporter David Riccio claimed the Knights should try and make sure Gagai stays around with the Queensland great adding plenty of experience to a struggling squad. "The fact Gagai stepped up to play fullback for the first time since 2018 speaks volumes for the experience he brings and how reliable he is," reporter Riccio said on SEN radio.
"I think this is a smart move because you want to keep these kind of players around. You speak to any of the top coaches in the game and they say you can never have enough experience in your team."
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Gagai played in State of Origin Game 3 last year, but wasn't selected by Billy Slater in 2025. Instead, Slater opted to choose Robert Toia in Game 1 at centre. Gagai is a Queensland great having made 23 appearances for his state.
Gagai has made 309 appearances in the NRL for Brisbane, the Knights and the Rabbitohs. The Knights are set to miss out on finals footy in 2025 sitting tied on 16 points with last-placed South Sydney.
