Jacob Gagai (born 20 December 1995) is an Australian professional rugby league footballer. He plays as a winger for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the NRL.
Gagai was a real game-changer for the Rabbitohs in the NSW Cup Premiership last year, playing 26 season games. He played positions like center, five-eighth, and fullback.
He crossed the line for seven tries in the NSW Cup last year. He made his NRL debut with the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the 2024 season.
| Jacob Gagai | |
|---|---|
 Jacob Gagai’s got his chance in the big league, making his NRL debut for the Rabbitohs at 28. | |
| Quick Facts | |
| Name: | Jacob Gagai |
| Born: | 20 December 1995 (age 28 years old) |
| Place of birth: | Mackay, Queensland, Australia |
| Nationality: | Australian |
| Parents: | Ray Gagai (father) Tania Gagai (mother) |
| Occupation: | Rugby league footballer |
| Team: | South Sydney Rabbitohs |
| Position: | Center |
| Height: | 183 cm |
| Weight: | 92 kg |
| Siblings: | Dane Gagai (brother) |
| Website: | www.rabbitohs.com.au |
Early Life
Jacob Gagai was born on 20 December 1995 in Mackay, Queensland, Australia, to Ray and Tania Gagai.
He is from a rich cultural background, with Torres Strait Islander roots through his father’s family (Yam Island and Badu Island people). On his mum’s side, he’s got Ngati Pikiao Maori ancestry.
His father was a part of the Brisbane Broncos’ team in the 1989 NSWRL season. His older brother, Dane Gagai, is the winger for the Newcastle Knights.
Gagai is also related to some footy legends – his cousins include Kiwi test player Josh Hoffman, Broncos great Wendell Sailor, and Travis Waddell, who also played for the Broncos.
Career
At 28, Jacob made his top-grade debut for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in a cracking match against Manly in round 1 of the 2024 NRL season at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Gagai played three seasons at the Knights before moving to the Rabbitohs in 2021. With Campbell Graham and Tyrone Munro injured and Jack Wighton suspended, Gagai was called to fill the position.
In round 8, Gagai went one better, scoring a double in South Sydney’s 54-20 loss to the Melbourne Storm. By 2024, he had made 85 appearances and scored 31 tries.
Jacob Gagai was forced to sit out last Thursday’s game after copping a low-grade calf injury at training. He should be back in action within the next 1-2 weeks.
References
- Brad Walter. “Gagai, Brown get unlikely shots at history in Vegas“. NRL.com.
- “Rehab Report Round 10: Key Rabbitohs Sidelined“. Rabbitohs.
- “Jacob Gagai”. Wikipedia.
