Huddersfield Giants sign Jacob Gagai as 'phenomenal' NRL signing hailed

boss Luke Robinson reckons the club has secured a "phenomenal" player after landing South Sydney ace Jacob Gagai on a two-year deal.

At the age of 28, after years in reserve grade, the Aussie utility back has finally made the breakthrough in the NRL this season, scoring nine tries in 17 games for the Rabbitohs. The younger brother of Queensland and star Dane Gagai is now on his way to Super League. Equally at home at wing, centre and full-back, he made a try-scoring NRL debut in Las Vegas and follows England prop from Redfearn to John Smith's Stadium.

Robinson said: "He’s a player that epitomises what we want a Giants player to be. His work ethic is phenomenal and he’s a great bloke, too, so he’ll add to the culture. We’re trying to create a good, strong culture at the club going forward, and he’ll definitely add to that.

“From a playing point of view, he’s quick, he’s got great hands, and skill. He can play in different positions, he’s versatile. I’m really looking forward to having him as part of the squad. I really like the way he’s gone about his career: he’s done it the hard way. It shows a lot about his personality; he persevered and got his opportunity.

“In the games he’s played for Souths he has been phenomenal. The contacts we have in Australia that we’ve spoken to have been nothing but positive about him.”

Giants director of rugby Andy Kelly concurred with Robinson as the West Yorkshire outfit makes the changes they feel necessary to get back into contention for the Super League play-offs in 2025. Kelly added: “I’m excited by the signing. He played really well in the NRL scoring nine tries last year. It’s an indication of where we’re at at the moment, and the positive changes we’re making. We spoke about recruitment quite heavily and where we need to focus our attention. This shows that the intention is to start moving forward.

“We can expect excitement from Jacob. He’s quick, elusive and adds another dimension that we have probably lacked. We have another finisher in the back line. There’s so many positives with him we’re really looking for the future. He’s versatile too. That’s vital, the fact that we have a player and players in the squad that can play different roles means we can start to look at opposition, and see how they play and how we can adapt to that.”