NEWCASTLE chief executive Matt Gidley insists that Dane Gagai will play out the remainder of the season at the Knights despite the Origin star confirming that he will have a new home in 2018.
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Gagai, who has been named on the wing for Queensland in the Origin opener, will join South Sydney from next season on a three-year deal worth more than $2.1 million.
The Knights had offered the centre-turned-fullback a four-year $2.8 million deal. Gagai told teammates of his decision before going into camp with the Maroons.
The Rabbitohs deal is understood to be propped up by a third party agreement, similar to those in place for other indigenous players at Redfern.
But for now Gagai remains a Knight.
“At this stage we are both committed to him playing out the season,” Gidley said. “That is the way we will approach it. We will push on and do our best for the remainder of the year.”
The Knights have taken a different attitude towards departing players in recent seasons. Coach Nathan Brown has preferred to release them, bank the balance of their contract in the salary cap and devote resources into developing players long-term.
Joey Tapine and Sims brothers Tariq and Korbin were let go mid contract. Tapine joined Canberra a year early, Tariq Sims bailed mid-last season to link with the Dragons and younger sibling Korbin moved to Brisbane at the start of 2017.
It’s unclear if Souths have room in the salary cap to accommodate Gagai this year. The Knights are also in a different position. They already have a $3 million war chest to strengthen the roster next season.
“We consider these things on a case by case basis,” Gidley said.
Gidley said Gagai had not given any indication that he wanted to exit early.
“Dane has been fantastic since he arrived in 2012,” Gidley said. “He has played the vast majority of his career at our club and has been wonderful for us, on and off the field. The reason Dane has decided not to be here (next year), that is for Dane to answer. From our point of view, we could not have been more pleased with his contribution.”
Gidley said Gagai’s departure would “open other opportunities” on the recruitment front.
“The player market is pretty active, and we know there is going to be significant movement between now and the start of next season,” Gidley said.
“With the cap not being set yet, some clubs will be under pressure. We have a great ability now to recruit players as they become available whether it is next week or in January.”
