Gagai back in Qld fold

Newcastle centre Dane Gagai says he is ready to grab his State of Origin chance after returning from Queensland coach Mal Meninga's 12 month "ban".

Dane Gagai

Newcastle centre Dane Gagai has said he won't be taking a 2015 State of Origin debut for granted. (AAP)

All may be forgiven for Dane Gagai in the Queensland camp but the Newcastle strike weapon is not going to take a 2015 State of Origin debut for granted.

Gagai blew his first impression with Queensland coach Mal Meninga when he missed a training session at last year's Emerging Maroons camp in Brisbane.

As punishment, a fuming Meninga told Gagai he would not be considered for Queensland selection in the 2014 series.

Twelve months later Gagai has been welcomed back into the Maroons fold at the camp - and the Knights centre is determined not to let a rare second chance slip.

"I have learned from my mistakes," Gagai said.

"I appreciate them giving me a second opportunity.

"I want to make the most of it."

Gagai watched helplessly last year as Will Chambers snapped up the Maroons backline vacancy in Origin III created last year by Brent Tate's career-ending knee injury.

More Queensland spots appear available for 2015's opener due to Tate's retirement and Brisbane flyer Darius Boyd's ruptured Achilles.

Gagai and Broncos centre Dale Copley are considered the top contenders.

But Gagai said the pain of last year's "ban" would ensure he would take nothing for granted despite the warm welcome received at the weekend Emerging Maroons camp run by Wayne Bennett.

"It does hurt when you let an opportunity like that slip," he said.

"But it is water under the bridge now, it's a new year.

"It (Origin call-up) is obviously in the back of the mind.

"But there are plenty of good centres out there."

Queensland assistant coach Kevin Walters did not know whether 2015 would begin a team transition period after their record winning run of eight series ended last year.

Maroons greats Justin Hodges, Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Johnathan Thurston, Nate Myles and Matt Scott are all in their 30s.

"I am not sure when that is going to happen, that will depend on the players and how they go," he said.

"But certainly we have seen past Emerging camps that two or three of these boys will get an opportunity for different reasons and that is exciting."

Sydney Roosters rake Jake Friend was the only camp no-show this weekend as he recovered from shoulder surgery.

Kangaroos half Ben Hunt, Cowboys back-rower Gavin Cooper, Tim Glasby (Storm), Corey Thompson (Bulldogs), Tautau Moga (Cowboys) and grand final winning Rabbitohs forward David Tyrrell were the camp debutants.

Emerging Maroons squad: Gavin Cooper (Cowboys), Dale Copley (Broncos), Jake Friend (Roosters), Dane Gagai (Knights), Tim Glasby (Storm), Valentine Holmes (Sharks), Ben Hunt (Broncos), Brenton Lawrence (Sea Eagles), Edrick Lee (Raiders), Josh McGuire (Broncos), Anthony Milford (Broncos), Tautau Moga (Cowboys), Michael Morgan (Cowboys), Dylan Napa (Roosters), James Segeyaro (Panthers), Korbin Sims (Knights), Corey Thompson (Bulldogs), David Tyrrell (Rabbitohs).


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Source: AAP


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