New jersey, same goal: Gagai eyeing second World Cup in Kiwis debut
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Dane Gagai has declared his desire to deliver New Zealand an IRL Rugby League World Cup title nine years after he helped the Kangaroos hoist the trophy.
The veteran has been granted special permission to switch his eligibility from Australia to New Zealand and has embraced the chance to represent his mother's heritage.
The move comes eight years after he last played for the Kangaroos, and nine since he helped the side take out the World Cup with a tense 6-0 victory over England in the final.
Inside camp: Dane Gagai
While much has changed for the 35-year-old in the time since, Gagai said his hunger for victory remains just as strong as the Kiwis prepare to open their campaign against Australia at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night.
"[2017] was an awesome experience," Gagai said. "It was nine years ago now so it was a long time ago. Going up against all the other countries, you don't want to let your team down, you don't want to let your country down.
"It's no different this time around. I'll be doing everything I can to get a spot on that team and do everything I can to bring back a World Cup for New Zealand."
Match: Australia v New Zealand
Round 1 -
home Team
Australia
away Team
New Zealand
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Gagai's selection for New Zealand comes after he turned back the clock this season and produced one of his best years in the NRL.
The veteran starred for the Knights in their fairytale run to the grand final and remains one of the best defensive centres in the game.
The opportunity to play for the Kiwis only emerged a few weeks ago when assistant coach Adam Blair called to ask if he'd be interested in applying for a change of eligibility.
Difference maker - Dane Gagai
The centre jumped at the opportunity and paperwork was quickly filed with the IRL. It didn't take long for the governing body to give their stamp of approval.
Having already played for Australia, the Indigenous All Stars and Māori All Stars, a Test debut for the Kiwis will ensure Gagai has represented all aspects of his cultural heritage.
"It's a special moment for me and my family," Gagai said. "Knowing I'm the second person in my family to represent the Kiwis, following in the footsteps of my cousin Josh Hoffman. Mum was super proud when we got this over the line.
"I had represented everything I possibly could before being called into this squad. I've represented Australia, Queensland, the Māori All Stars and Indigenous All Stars. This was the last one for me to do.
"To be given that opportunity, I was super grateful when Blairy gave me that phone call and it's a great moment for my family as well."
Gagai is expected to start in the centres at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night and will likely line up opposite former Rabbitohs teammate Latrell Mitchell.
The pair engaged in a fiery battle when Newcastle defeated South Sydney in the opening week of the finals, Gagai coming away with a points victory in the one-on-one contest.
It's starting to get spicy!
Mitchell lit the fuse late last week for round two when he declared he will take the game to his opposite but Gagai is eager to let his football do the talking on Thursday night.
"He's got plenty over me before," Gagai said. "He's a competitive footballer, as am I. We just want to do everything we can for our teams.
"I'm sure he'll be doing everything he can to not let his country down if he's given the opportunity and I'll be doing the same."
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