He’s the towering Jet who’s been patiently waiting in the wings this season, but Jacob Gagan has done more than enough to cement himself as one of the competition’s premium outside backs.
Gagan burst onto the scene for the Cronulla Sharks in 2014; after signing from the Sea Eagles, he got his chance in the NRL thanks to a significant injury toll. Scoring five tries in his seven consecutive matches, Gagan immediately looked like nailing down an NRL spot and was offered a two-year contract extension at Cronulla. A ruptured achilles tendon early in the following year, however, would see him sidelined for the majority of the 2015 season, and Gagan would not return to the field until Round 1 this year.
Playing 22 of the Jets’ 24 games so far this season, Gagan has been a consistent performer on the flanks, scoring 14 tries and providing solid competition for a star-studded Sharks backline. Three consecutive doubles in Rounds 4, 5 and 6, in particular, showed no signs that Gagan had struggled to return from injury.
While the Jets were outclassed by the might of Mounties last weekend, they remain in the competition with a do-or-die match against the Warriors on Sunday. With an all-round team performance from Newtown, it won’t be the last time we see the 23-year-old in 2016.
Witness history this September at the 2016 NSWRL Grand Final Day. On Sunday, 25 September the Intrust Super Premiership NSW decider, along with the Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield Grand Finals, take place at Pirtek Stadium, with tickets just $10 for adults and kids under 12 free. Click here to secure your seat.
