By Nick Wright
Dane Gagai’s return to the State of Origin fold is a story of triumph, having feared his Maroons career may have been over.
But the selection of the 33-year-old, long praised as a man who finds a new gear for Queensland, could be an indication of how coach Billy Slater intends to attack their New South Wales rivals in the forthcoming decider.
Dane Gagai has returned to the Maroons fold.Credit: Getty
“I’m going to be honest, it did cross my mind whether I’d be able to get the ball back into the team,” Gagai - who was axed from last year’s series after 22 games - revealed.
“This is a jersey you never want to give up, but it’s also a jersey you always have to earn … it means everything.
“I know there’s talk about how when I put on a Queensland jersey I tend to step up, but I’d like to think I’ve been doing that at club level and that I’ve earned this jersey back.”
While Gagai’s inclusion was forced, given the hamstring injuries suffered by wingers Xavier Coates and Murray Taulagi, his history and biggest strength of 2024 suggests it was a move beyond necessity.
Queensland were bullied by a relentless New South Wales in game two, as the sheer size of the Blues’ forward pack gained the momentum for their outside backs to flourish.
In turn, Queensland were their own worst enemies: giving away the first four penalties, two six-again infringements and back-to-back errors to help the Blues to a 34-0 halftime lead.
The 38-18 defeat triggered cries for 115kg Gold Coast wrecking ball David Fifita to be recalled, particularly given the absence of regular enforcers Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Tom Gilbert (both ruptured ACLs) and Thomas Flegler (shoulder nerve damage).
But Slater has kept the faith, with Dragons forward Jaydn Su’A the only pack member to not keep his place as he nurses “a few issues”.
“The changes personnel-wise aren’t going to fix what happened in game two. We need to really go after our footy and make sure that we have an even share of possession, make sure our discipline is on point and that we’re not putting more pressure on ourselves,” Slater said.
“We got caught on the back foot - we didn’t have enough football in the first 20 minutes of the game, and then it snowballed against us.
“It’s a really tough game to play, you add fatigue to that, and it’s near impossible, so we need to help ourselves.”
Slater will rely on a pack whose strengths lie in their fitness, and a backline who have proven prolific at creating attacking opportunities out of nothing.
Dane Gagai and Selwyn Cobbo loom as key figures for the Maroons upon their return to the side.Credit: Getty
Gagai, and fellow recalled star Selwyn Cobbo, fit that mould.
Only Roosters fullback James Tedesco and Blues winger Brian To’o have more tackle busts than the Maroons’ pair this season - regularly gaining extra ground and quick play-the-balls as a result, as well as creating two-on-one opportunities.
That broken play is where the likes of Reece Walsh, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Kalyn Ponga can wreak havoc.
Gagai has also demonstrated his tackle-breaking abilities coming out of his own end for Newcastle, a strength which will need to come to the fore if the likes of Reuben Cotter and Pat Carrigan are to play big minutes.
If they cannot impose exhaustion back on the Blues through their power game, discipline and footwork to cause desperate covering defence can be their counter.
“While I wouldn’t say I’ve been playing with a chip on my shoulder, it’s with a point to prove,” Gagai said of his rejuvenated form.
“My mindset’s never changed, it’s just about helping the team wherever I can. Whether that’s going in and getting my carries and trying to give the big boys a rest … it’s just about going out with a bit of a point to prove.”
Gagai joins a group eager to utilise their experience in deciders.
Nine of the past 10 series deciders have been won by Queensland, with 12 of the 17 players chosen for next Wednesday night members of the last one in 2022.
Ponga in particular was meteoric on that occasion (262 metres, a try and 16 tackle busts), while edge forward Kurt Capewell - whose selection over Fifita drew some criticism - scored a pivotal try through his relentless kick chase.
In contrast, only Blues skipper Jake Trbojevic and lock Cameron Murray have experienced that elation.
“I guess [experience] has a little bit to do with it … we’ve just got to nail our preparation, that’s all it comes down to,” Gagai said.
“You can’t really control what’s going to happen on the night, but you can control all the little things leading up into the game, so when the moments arise we’re able to capitalise.”