The Brisbane Broncos have confirmed the signing of Dane Gagai on a one-year deal.

The former Bronco returns to the club from next season with Peter Badel from Code Sports reporting the contract is worth in excess of $250,000.

Gagai completed a medical with the Broncos on Tuesday and will now enjoy a swansong at the club where his NRL career started in 2011.

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It comes after the Knights reportedly told the 35-year-old they would not be able to offer him a new deal.

“It’s got to end somewhere and we have some very promising outside backs coming through,” recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan told Code Sports.

“The salary cap just doesn’t allow it to happen for us.”

Gagai is set to replace Kangaroos and Maroons representative star Gehamat Shibasaki who is expected to leave at the end of the season.

Shibasaki had a breakout 2025 campaign after starting on a train-and-trial deal, scoring 18 tries to go with 24 linebreaks, to help Brisbane all the way to a premiership.

The 28-year-old is in line for an upgrade on his $160,000 deal but the Broncos have not been willing to offer more than $300,000 a season.

Addressing Gagai’s impending signature this week, Broncos coach Michael Maguire lauded the veteran he helped recruit him to South Sydney.

Dane Gagai will return to the Broncos next season.Source: News Limited

“At Souths, I was involved in bringing him to the club before I left during that transition period,” Maguire told Code Sports.

“The experience he brings is valuable and we’ve got young players coming through like Nio and Coates who can learn from Dane.

“What he’s doing now at Newcastle is outstanding and he gives a lot back to younger players.

“That’s important for where our club is heading with the youth we have coming through.”

Maguire said Gagai’s versatility made him attractive to the NRL champions.

“He’d play anywhere,” Maguire said.

“If it comes about, I’m sure he’d be happy to play wherever he’s needed.

“Dane is a pro. He’s from a different walk of life.

JOEY ADDRESSES BLUES COACHING PUSH

NSW Origin legend Andrew Johns has ruled out coaching the Blues, in response to a suggestion from brother Matty, saying he is completely ill-equipped for the job.

Matty was asked on Sunday if he would coach NSW, as pressure mounts on Laurie Daley with a series decider looming and perceptions that the team has underperformed during his tenure. In a light-hearted way, Matty said that if ‘Joey’ coached the team, he would assist.

Andrew responded via his column in Nine Newspapers.

“There’s a small part of me that would absolutely love to coach NSW,” Andrew wrote.

“The suggestion has gathered momentum since my dear brother Matthew made mention of it, for reasons unknown.

“Frankly though, it would be incredibly selfish for me to pursue, because it’s such an unknown.

“And really, do NSW want to take a punt on someone with such limited experience, who has no experience at all of what it’s like to be a head coach?”

Johns went on to detail all the things he would be ill-prepared for, from running an interchange bench (and a squad of 20 players), to juggling the job with his Channel 9 commentary responsibilities.

“I’ve always felt for Billy Slater and Brad Fittler when I’ve put them on the spot about selections live on TV, and they’ve had to duck and weave like politicians. Because what else can you do in that situation?” he wrote.

Andrew Johns is congratulated by brother Matty after winning Origin II in 2005.Source: Getty Images

ROOSTERS GIVE EVANS COACHING JOB AFTER BIG REVEAL

After becoming just the second man in elite-level rugby league to come out as gay, and following a difficult period of his life, Kane Evans is back at the Sydney Roosters in an assistant coaching role with their NSW Cup team.

Nine Newspapers reported that Evans started working with the team, coached by Brett Morris, last week and had also appeared at the Roosters’ NRL captain’s run. Roosters coach Trent Robinson has been one of Evans’ strongest supporters.

“It’s only a small role, we’re trying to help him find a proper job out there,” Roosters chairman Nick Politis told Nine.

“I saw him the other day at training wearing all the gear. He loves it, he was glad to feel a part of something again, and it was nice to see him back.”

Though the development is a feel-good story after Evans revealed struggles with alcohol, drug addiction and suicidal thoughts, it came from an unfortunate situation.

Nine reported that after coming on in an emotional interview with James Bracey on 100% Footy, Evans had been subjected to homophobic slurs while working on job sites as a scaffolder.

Highlighting the strides rugby league still needs to make with inclusivity, a NSW Cup player — Newcastle forward Asu Kepaoa — last night copped a six-game ban for using a homophobic slur against a Dragons opponent.

Robbo on Evans: “We can do better!” | 05:06