Big screen brought to life by Gagai’s moment
WHEN 52,000 people were watching Dane Gagai take off at Suncorp Stadium, he was watching television.
Or at least the big screen. Gagia’s late 95m intercept try will forever be a memorable Origin moment, all the sweeter because he instinctively put everything on the line.
Had Jack Wighton’s pass gone past him the Blues most probably would have scored and won the match.
But fortune favored the brave and Gagai snatched the pass and took off for dear life.
While the stadium erupted at the sight of him surging downfield and backing himself to win a sprint to the line, Gagai spotted the big screen directly in his eye line and sensed a flicker of trouble.
“When I got to the halfway line I had a big grin but I looked up at the big screen and could see The Fox (Josh AddoCarr) running behind me,’’ Gagai said.
“I could not see how far he was. I knew he does not need too much time to catch someone. I had to focus and make sure I held my form.’’ AddoCarr, regarded as the fastest man in league, spun once the intercept was made, giving Gagai 10m start and closing the gap to about five metres at the finish as Gagai slowed to make a spectacular dive. His broad mid-air smile confirms he was celebrating even before he landed.
“To be honest, I was a little bit fatigued (before making the play). Then they came down our side and there was an opportunity to come up with a play.
“Lucky I made the play otherwise Addo-Carr was going over untouched. Once I got the ball I thought ‘back yourself, just run.’ Once I got to the 50m I was fairly confident I would get there.”