Gagai honoured

NEWCASTLE Knights star winger Dane Gagai says it has been great to give back to the people of Fiji as several Fijians have massively contributed to the growth of the game.

The Knights clash against the Storm in a first-ever NRL-sanctioned pre-season trial match at Lautoka’s Churchill Park today.

“It is always exciting to come here and bring some of the best players in the game to showcase and give back to the people of Fiji,” he said.

Gagai said a lot of former and current players in the NRL had come out from Fiji and the trial match in a way was also to acknowledge their contributions to the sport.

“We had so many great players over the years and it will be exciting to play in front of the Fijian public.”

He said they were expecting a tough encounter against the Storm.

“They have been a very strong side for several years and we just want to work on what we did all pre-season and try to get it going before we start the season proper.

“We are hoping to play some good footy and put on a show for the Fijian public and entertain them.”

The Wally Lewis medal winner in 2017 said with the support and interest shown by the Fijian public, there should be an NRL regular match happening in Fiji in the near future.

“I definitely think so because the atmosphere, the people, the stadium is great and like I said, I love coming over here and playing in front of the Fijian fans.”

The match at Churchill Park kicks off at 2.45pm. Before that, the Kaiviti Silktails take on the Acadamy Team at 12.30pm. Gates open at 12pm.