Huddersfield Giants have made a splash signing from the NRL with the club signing the brother of a star outside back.
Approaching Luke Robinson’s first full season in charge, the recruitment has been slow for Huddersfield Giants but they’ve now made big waves after signing Jacob Gagai, the younger brother of former Australia and Queensland representative Dane.
Dane Gagai will be a name that is familiar to most Super League fans with the 33-year-old dominating the NRL for well over a decade and representing Queensland in State of Origin since 2015.
During that time, he’s made 23 appearances and scored 12 tries, whilst his younger brother Jacob was playing in both the Queensland and New South Wales Cup competitions.
That was until 2024 when Jacob made the jump to the South Sydney Rabbitohs first grade, playing 17 games and scoring an impressive nine tries which has seen the winger catch the eye of many teams.
Huddersfield Giants land versatile NRL back as ‘Robinson Revolution’ gathers pace
Credit: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
However, it is Huddersfield Giants who have won the race for his signature with the Super League outfit making the 28-year-old their fifth signing for the 2025 season.
He’s also the club’s third NRL recruit after England forward Tom Burgess and hooker Zac Woolford, son of the club’s former head coach Simon.
The Giants have lost a whole host of players with stars such as Esan Marsters, Chris Hill and Jake Connor among the eight to exit the John Smith’s Stadium but the arrival of Gagai will ease that pain.
It’s unclear where in the backline Gagai will play. Although more naturally a winger, he can play at centre or full-back which are positions that Huddersfield have lost talent at in respect to Connor, Marsters and the retiring Kevin Naiqama.
Announcing his signature, Huddersfield Giants shared: “The Giants are pleased to announce the signing of 28-year-old utility back, Jacob Gagai from South Sydney Rabbitohs.
“Jacob made his NRL debut in Las Vegas, scoring against Manly Sea Eagles in 2024, and has since been prolific in finishing from the wing, centre and full back.”
What Luke Robinson said on the Giants’ latest signing
🤝 Jacob Gagai joins the Robinson Revolution for 2025 from South Sydney Rabbitohs on a two-year deal!
Full story: https://t.co/ytIFru9dhk#Since1895 pic.twitter.com/IHr2q1YRFE
— Huddersfield Giants 🐮🔔 (@Giantsrl) November 14, 2024
Of the five recruits through the door already at the John Smith’s Stadium, most had been announced or at least negotiated prior to Luke Robinson taking the hot seat but he now gets the chance to stamp his own identity on the club.
Speaking on the arrival of the 28-year-old, Robinson said: “He’s a player that epitomises what we want a Giants player to be. His work ethic is phenomenal, he’s a great bloke too so he’ll add to the culture. We’re trying to create a good, strong culture at the club going forward, and he’ll definitely add to that.”
His versatility will certainly add options as well with Huddersfield lacking somewhat in their backs. Liam Sutcliffe has arrived and the return of 2024 signing Adam Swift after his season-ending injury will be akin to a new signing, but the losses of Connor, Naiqama and Marsters are significant.
Robinson said: “From a playing point of view, he’s quick, he’s got great hands, and skill. He can play in different positions, he’s versatile. I’m really looking forward to having him as part of the squad. I really like the way he’s gone about his career, he’s done it the hard way. It shows a lot about his personality, he’s persevered and got his opportunity.
“In the games he’s played for Souths he has been phenomenal. The contacts we have in Australia that we’ve spoken to have been nothing but positive about him.”
