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Dane Gagai drops massive NRL bombshell on South Sydney

Yahoo Sport Australia

South Sydney star Dane Gagai wants out of the Rabbitohs, according to a report from the Daily Telegraph’s Dean Ritchie.

Gagai was reportedly frustrated by the Rabbitohs’ mid-season signing of specialist centre James Roberts.

Despite starring on the wing for Queensland in State of Origin, Gagai reportedly sees himself as a centre, and has chafed at head coach Wayne Bennett’s preference to have him on the wing.

There is speculation Gagai could leave South Sydney before the June 30 deadline, but a deal to offload the star player is unlikely to materialise in time.

Ritchie’s report also suggested the Gold Coast Titans would be strong contenders for Gagai’s services.

Gagai has two years left to run on his current contract.

Dane Gagai, pictured scoring a try for Queensland during State of Origin, reportedly wants out of South Sydney.
Dane Gagai scores a try during game one of the 2019 State of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium. (Photo by Jono Searle/Getty Images)

An unnamed source, reportedly close to the South Sydney camp, told the Daily Telegraph Gagai was the “world’s best winger but he certainly sees himself as a centre’’.

“Souths are in it to win this year so letting a player of his calibre go before June 30 wouldn’t be a good idea,” the source told the Daily Telegraph.

“I couldn’t see that happening. Gagai on the wing is the best option for Souths.”

Latrell Mitchell a ‘distraction’: Gould

Respected NRL commentator and former NSW coach Phil Gould has made a stunning call on Latrell Mitchell's State of Origin II prospects.

Mitchell had a poor game by his own lofty standards as the Blues went down to the Maroons 18-14 in Brisbane's Origin opener.

Gould insists that if Mitchell can't prove that he's in the right frame of mind for Origin, then Blues coach Brad Fittler needs to seriously consider replacing him.

“The media is going to be talking about it all week. You don’t need the distraction," Gould told Channel 9’s 100% Footy.

“I don’t think NSW can win without him, but the question is: Will he be a distraction or will he be an asset?

“In his current frame of mind and doing what he’s doing right at the moment, not a month ago against the Wests Tigers, he’ll be a distraction.

“He and the Roosters need to come to the Origin coach and say: ‘We’ve sorted this. This is what needs to be done. He’ll be ready.’ Once he does that, then you pick him and you get on with life.

“If they can’t do that, then Freddy’s got to move on and get on with something else, otherwise this is going to distract everyone.”