There is a new home for the outer back.
Following his departure from the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the NRL, Jacob Gagai has officially signed with the Huddersfield Giants of the English Super League.
After spending the majority of his career in the Australian system’s reserve grade, Gagai made his NRL debut in 2024, playing for the injured Rabbitohs in Las Vegas as they lost to the Manly Sea Eagles.
The 28-year-old, who can play wing, centre, and fullback, will bring a wealth of variety to the English team upon joining Huddersfield, however the club has not disclosed how long he has been a member.
Gagai is the kind of player Huddersfield wants to sign, according to head coach Luke Robinson.
He is a player who perfectly embodies the qualities we look for in a Giants player. He will contribute to the culture because he has an amazing work ethic and is a terrific guy. In a statement announcing Gagai’s signing, Robinson said, “He’ll definitely add to that. We’re trying to create a good, strong culture at the club going forward.”
From a playing perspective, he is skilled, quick, and has excellent hands. He is versatile and can play a variety of positions. Having him join the team is something I’m very excited about. He has pursued his career the hard way, and I truly admire that. He has persevered and received his opportunity, which reveals a lot about his character.
“He has been outstanding in the games he has played for Souths.” All of our Australian contacts with whom we have spoken have had nothing but good things to say about him.
The “Robinson Revolution” is what the club is calling Gagai’s arrival at John Smith’s Stadium.
Robinson failed to lead Huddersfield to the finals after taking over as interim coach from Ian Watson in the middle of the 2024 season. However, the team has added a number of talented players for the upcoming season, including Liam Sutcliffe from Hull FC, George King from Hull KR, and Tom Burgess and Zac Woolford, their other NRL acquisitions.
The team, who will be eager to improve on their ninth-place finish this year, now includes former NRL players Tui Lolohead, Adam Clune, and Jack Murcbhie.
Robinson’s contract as head coach of Huddersfield is valid till the end of 2027.
Andy Kelly, the director of rugby at Huddersfield, expressed his excitement at the newest addition, Gagai, who was born in Mackay, scored nine tries in 17 games during the 2024 NRL season.
“I am thrilled about the signing. He scored nine tries in the NRL last year and played pretty well. It serves as a gauge of our current situation and the progress we’re making. We spent a lot of time talking about hiring and where we should concentrate. This indicates that the goal is to begin taking action,” Kelly stated.
We can anticipate Jacob’s excitement. He is swift, evasive, and gives us a new perspective that we most likely didn’t have. In the back line, we have another finisher. He has so many good qualities that we’re eager to see what the future holds. He is also adaptable. That is essential; having a player or guys in the squad who can perform a variety of roles allows us to see how the opposition plays and adjust accordingly.
In the upcoming weeks, Gagai will join Huddersfield for preseason training.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE
