GI backs mate Gagai

Outed star calls to wish replacement luck

RUGBY LEAGUE GREG Inglis was one of the first people to reach out and congratulate Dane Gagai on his Test recall.

Gagai had lost his place in the Australia squad for the Tests against New Zealand and Tonga but Inglis’ drink driving charge paved the way for Gagai’s return.

The form of Tom Trbojevic and Valentine Holmes saw Gagai originally miss out on the spot he held in last years World Cup final. Trbojevic was shifted to the centres to replace Inglis, allowing Gagai to take his spot out on the wing.

“It was obviously a bit of a tough one, but a part of Mal’s (Meninga) job is to select who he thinks is best for the team,” Gagai said. “As disappointed as I was, to get called back into the team was obviously great, [but] not at the expense of a good mate of mine and our captain at Souths with Greg and what happened there. Firstly I obviously (wanted to know) if he was OK. Coming back into the side I knew I had a job to do.

“He gave me a call and congratulated me on getting back into the side. He wished me and Cooky (Damien Cook) good luck and all the boys.

“I’m sure he’s disappointed, but I know he’ll be right to go again next year.”

The loss against the Kiwis also doubled as Gagai’s first defeat in an Australian jumper. He had been on a five-game winning streak before Saturday’s loss.

Gagai said poor ball control cost the Australian side.

“We can’t afford to do that again, we’ve got a team I believe is still the best in the world it’s a matter of going out and executing on the day,” he said. “We have to cop it on the chin and focus on this week ahead and make sure we get to the end of our sets and make it a bit of an arm-wrestle.

“I got given an opportunity to represent my country again and will do it the best I can.

“I’m here and I’ve got a job to do, and I’m not worried about how I made the side.”

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