Dane Gagai () (born 3 January 1991) is a professional rugby league footballer and boxer who plays as a and er for the Newcastle Knights in the NRL. He has played for Australia and the New Zealand Maori at international level. He previously played for the Brisbane Broncos and South Sydney Rabbitohs in the National Rugby League. He has played for the Indigenous All Stars, Queensland in the State of Origin series and the Prime Minister's XIII. In 2017 he won the Wally Lewis Medal as State of Origin Player of the Series. Earlier in his career he played as a . Background Gagai was born in Mackay, Queensland, Australia. He is of Torres Strait Islander heritage through his father's family (Yam Island and Badu Island people) and Ngati Pikiao Maori descent by way of his mother's ancestry. Gagai's father, Ray, was a member of the Brisbane Broncos' squad in the 1989 NSWRL season. He is also the cousin of former New Zealand test player Josh Hoffman, former Broncos player Wendell Sailor and former Broncos player Travis Waddell. Gagai was eligible to play for both Australia and New Zealand through parents of Indigenous Australian and Māori. He played his junior football for Brisbane Wests before being signed by the Brisbane Broncos. Playing career Early career From 2009 to 2011, Gagai played for the Brisbane Broncos' NYC team, scoring 39 tries in 61 games. At the end of 2010, he was named at in the 2010 NYC Team of the Year and played for the Junior Kangaroos against the Junior Kiwis. 2011 In round 1, Gagai made his NRL debut for the Brisbane Broncos against the North Queensland Cowboys on the , scoring a try in the 16–14 loss at Suncorp Stadium. Gagai finished his debut year in the NRL with 4 tries in 6 matches. He was again named in the NYC Team of the Year, this time at . 2012 On 19 March, Gagai re-signed with Brisbane on a two-year contract. On 9 May, he was released from the contract due to disciplinary reasons. On 28 May, Gagai signed a 2-year contract with the Newcastle Knights effective immediately. In Round 14 of the 2012 NRL season, Gagai made his club debut for the Newcastle Knights against the Canberra Raiders at , scoring a try in the Knights 32–16 loss at Hunter Stadium. Gagai finished his first year in the