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Dane Gagai cleared to represent Kiwis in Rugby League World Cup

NZ HeraldStuffRNZSaturday 3 October 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated

In this story Newcastle Knights, Kangaroos, Dane Gagai

Photo: NZ Herald (opens in new tab)

International Rugby League has overturned an initial decision to allow Newcastle Knights centre Dane Gagai to switch allegiance from Australia to New Zealand. Gagai will join teammate Kalyn Ponga in the Kiwis squad for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup.

Key facts

4 facts
  • Dane Gagai is 35 years old and plays centre for the Newcastle Knights.NZ HeraldRNZ
  • Gagai has earned seven caps for Australia and 23 appearances for Queensland at State of Origin level.NZ HeraldRNZ
  • The Kiwis open their World Cup campaign against Australia on 15 October in Sydney.NZ HeraldRNZ
  • Gagai qualifies for New Zealand via his mother.NZ HeraldRNZ

The full story

1 min read · 3 outlets

Newcastle Knights centre Dane Gagai has been cleared to represent the Kiwis at the upcoming Rugby League World Cup. An International Rugby League appeals committee overturned an initial rejection of his application to switch from Australia to New Zealand.NZ HeraldStuffRNZ

The 35-year-old is eligible for New Zealand through his Māori mother. International Rugby League Chair Troy Grant stated there were "special circumstances" because Gagai has not played for Australia in eight years.NZ HeraldStuffRNZ

Grant noted that Gagai was not afforded the same options as other players following recent rule changes. The decision follows support for the application from Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'landys and Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters.NZ HeraldStuffRNZ

Gagai could potentially make his debut for New Zealand against Australia on 15 October at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. He will join teammate Kalyn Ponga in the Kiwis squad.NZ HeraldStuffRNZ

Where reports differ

  • One report states Gagai has signed to play for the Brisbane Broncos in 2027, while another mentions he is hoping for a victory before switching to Brisbane.NZ HeraldStuffRNZ

Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, Stuff and RNZ.

How they headlined it

First reported by NZ Herald, Sat 3 Oct, 2:34pm · 3 reports from 3 outlets over 6 hours
  1. NZ HeraldNZ Herald

    Rugby League World Cup: Kiwis get boost as Australia star Dane Gagai switches allegiance (opens in new tab)

  2. StuffStuff

    Former Kangaroos star Dane Gagai makes shock switch to Kiwis (opens in new tab)

  3. RNZRNZ

    Dane Gagai cleared to switch rugby league eligibility from Australia to New Zealand (opens in new tab)

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