Aussie utility back didn’t play make his first-grade debut until the age of 28 and is out to make up for lost time now he’s moved to Super League
If anyone knows the value of persistence it’s Huddersfield’s new signing Jacob Gagai.
The Aussie utility back spent years doing the hard yards in the reserve grades back home. He didn’t make his NRL debut until last season – at the grand old age of 28. But having finally proved his worth with South Sydney, Gagai is now looking to make a name for himself in Super League.
On that long battle to make a breakthrough, he said: “My love for the game was a big thing. I love playing rugby league and I knew I was capable of playing at the highest level. That’s probably why I didn’t give up on it because I knew I could do it.
“I got the opportunity and took it with both hands. There were times when I had those conversations [about doing something else] but I’ve got a strong family and a big family who were really supportive of me and my partner.
“If it wasn’t for them, I might not have kept carrying on. But I’m glad I didn’t give up because I wouldn’t be standing here today. It’s been a cool journey.”
Part of that family is elder brother Dane Gagai, the Queensland State of Origin and Australia centre. Asked if the World Cup winner had given him much advice about his switch to Huddersfield, he said: “Not too much. We don’t really talk too much rugby league. It’s more just catching up.
“But he’s been really supportive of me. He can’t wait to start watching me over here. He said he’s going to have to set the alarm clock but he’s promised he’s going to be up for every game.”
Gagai made his debut for Souths on the wing against Manly in last year’s big NRL Las Vegas season opener He went on to score nine tries in 17 appearances, including a hat-trick versus the Dolphins.
However, Gagai, 29, is set to feature at full-back for Luke Robinson’s Huddersfield after taking up a two-year deal.
He added: “We’ve a good bunch of lads. We’ve built some connections and I want to help give ourselves every opportunity for success. I can’t wait to get out there. The weather’s been different. Where I’m from in North Queensland, it doesn’t really drop below 20 degrees. So coming straight into the negatives and seeing snow for the first time was a big change! But it’s been enjoyable.”
Meanwhile, Super League are featuring in Vegas for the first time when Wigan face Warrington on the same March 1 bill as the NRL Gagai said: “It’s awesome to see Super League get that exposure because last year was an unreal experience. That was the first time and it’s only going to grow and get bigger and better.”
