Billy Slater has made a huge prediction regarding Dane Gagai, claiming the Knights veteran will play for the Maroons again before his career ends.
In one of the more surprising selection calls made by the Queensland coach on Monday, the 33-year-old was called into the squad and will act as the side’s 18th man.
Gagai has been in sound form at Newcastle this year, but given the amount of quality outside backs eligible for State of Origin duties, many were surprised by the move.
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Selwyn Cobbo was dropped by Slater after a strong performance in the series opener, while J’Maine Hopgood has also been omitted due to a back injury.
The changes to the squad have opened the door for Gagai, who hasn’t played Origin since 2022, to move one step closer to an unlikely return to the game’s toughest arena.
Speaking on Nine’s The Billy Slater Podcast, the coach heaped praise on the Knights star and believes he will be called upon to step in at some stage in the future.
“It’s not easy to come into 18th man because you’re in the team, but you’re not in the team,” Slater explained.
“For someone who has done so much for this footy team and this state, for him to take it the way he did, he is a true Queenslander.
“I look forward to the day that I get to call him and tell Dane that he’s in the team again and you get to play for Queensland and I really see that in the future.
“I’m really happy that he’s involved in our team.”
Gagai has been included in the wider squad alongside young back-rowers Heilum Luki and Trent Loiero, who have moved closer to a debut for the Maroons.
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Their inclusions have seen both Ezra Mam and Brendan Piakura drop out of the squad and according to Slater, it was time to give the Broncos duo a freshen-up.
“Ezra and Brendan were great in the first preparation, but we sometimes forget that they are only 21 years old,” he said.
“I just felt that those two young guys needed a bit of a break and the benefit of the bye this week for the Broncos, I feel that they are going to benefit from getting away from the game for a few days and freshening up.
“In regards to Trent and Heilum, they’ve earned the opportunity to come into those positions. You don’t win a raffle ticket to get those spots, you really earn it with your performances and habits that you’ve got in your game.
“They are the reasons why those two guys aren’t here and the other two are.”
The two bench spots left by Hopgood and Cobbo have been filled by veterans Felise Kaufusi and Kurt Capewell, who the coach hopes can add some vital experience.
“I’m looking forward to those two experienced Maroons players getting another opportunity to play for Queensland,” Slater said.
“Both have been playing really well for their clubs. Felise did a great job in game one, coming in as 18th man and playing a role for the team.
“Kurt Capewell, before he injured his calf about six weeks ago, he was in some great form and he’s got great habits in his game. Every time he’s played for Queensland he has done a really good job. He adds that versatility as well on the bench.”
NSW have made five changes to their squad for game two, with the likes of Latrell Mitchell and Cameron Murray earning a call-up for the Blues.