He finished his rookie year in 2024 as South Sydney‘s top tryscorer – but there will be no room for Jacob Gagai at the Bunnies next season.
The younger brother of Queensland State of Origin star Dane, Jacob was one of the few success stories at Souths in a troubled year in 2024.
He debuted in Las Vegas at the age of 28, scoring a try on the big stage, and went on to play 17 games for the club.
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The speedy winger finished with nine tries – more than any of the Rabbitohs’ flashy outside backs including Alex Johnston and Latrell Mitchell – but has not been offered a contract for 2025 and is expected to join English club Huddersfield in coming days.
“Jacob was a late bloomer and had a great season,” his manager Gavin Orr told Wide World of Sports.
“In the end, his age (Gagai turns 29 in December) probably counted against him.
“Souths would have liked to keep him but had other priorities.
“But an opportunity has come up in Super League and it looks like he will be taking it.”
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The emergence of boom rookie Tyrone Munro (three tries in four games) and 21-year-old speedster Fletcher Myers (two tries in five games) is likely to be the main reason Gagai wasn’t offered a deal by the Bunnies.
Both showed great promise – are young and fast – and will vie for the wing opposite Johnston, a club institution.
But Gagai can be considered highly unlucky to top the Rabbitohs’ tryscoring chart in his first season yet still be shown the door.