THREE years ago, Dane Gagai had his contract torn up by the Brisbane Broncos. Today, I believe he is ready for the biggest test of his career a debut for Queensland in the Origin decider.
Wherever you look, Queensland are purportedly a team in disarray.
Billy Slater is gone. There are still question marks over Cooper Cronks fitness. Queensland need to find another centre, Daly Cherry-Evans is under the pump and the Maroons tactical philosophy, which worked so well in Game One, is being picked apart after NSWs big boppers dominated Origin II.
It all brings Queensland to a place they love to be. It is the sanctuary of the underdog.
The Maroons relish being written off, and Mal Meningas class of 2015 must summon the spirit that defines Queenslands Origin ethos to prevent their dynasty from total collapse on July 8.
It is in times of adversity that you truly search the soul.
This great Queensland team has now arrived at a critical juncture where they must decide, after so many years of success, whether they are once again prepared to pay the price.
Gagai knows all about paying his dues. That is why he will not let the Maroons down if he is chosen as the 182nd player to represent Queensland at Origin level in Game Three at Suncorp Stadium.
The loss of Slater is naturally a crushing blow but Meninga has a nice fullback safety-net in Greg Inglis, who will revel in open space after his magnificent display in Origin II.
Gagai is a potent force at right centre for the Knights but I believe he can handle a shift to the left side. If he is confident of defending in the left-edge corridor, hes the logical replacement.
Dane was coming through at the Broncos when I was approaching the end of my career and he was always a special talent.
I didnt see his axing coming. He was always polite, always well-mannered.
But off the field, he had some disciplinary issues, nothing major ... more lessons in the professionalism required to be a long-term player in the NRL.
Thankfully, Wayne Bennett, then at Newcastle, recognised that and threw Gagai a lifeline. He has planed the rough edges and has helped turn Gagai into one of the strike weapons in the code.
