NRL star Dane Gagai confident he'll play beyond 2026 despite being off contract.

NRL veteran Dane Gagai, a 30-year-old centre for the Newcastle Knights, remains confident he will play beyond the 2026 season despite being off contract. He expressed optimism about his physical condition, passion for the game, and lack of major injuries after contributing 109 metres, five tackle busts, and 18 tackles in the Knights’ 28-18 opening win over the Cowboys in Las Vegas. Gagai, who has played 217 games for Newcastle and made 300 appearances in his career, believes the team can compete for a finals spot. He has ties to former coaches Wayne Bennett and Mal Meninga, who now leads the Perth Bears, leaving open the possibility of a future move. The Knights prepare to face Manly on March 15, while their NSW Cup team began the season with a 52-10 victory over South Sydney.