Dane Gagai is set to resume his rivalry with Latrell Mitchell in the opening match of IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026 after being cleared to play for the Kiwis on the eve of the NRL grand final.

Gagai, who is aiming to complete a fairytale finish to his career with the Knights in Sunday's premiership decider against Sydney Roosters, has been granted permission to switch his international eligibility from Australia to New Zealand.

The 35 year-old, who is set to finish his NRL career at the Broncos, is now in line for a Kiwis call up and his first assignment could be opposite Mitchell in the World Cup opener at Allianz Stadium on October 15.

The pair went head-to-head - and toe-to-toe - in an explosive opening match of the NRL finals series which began Newcastle's march to an unlikely grand final appearance after being wooden spooners last season.

Photo: Dane Gagai and Latrell Mitchell lit up the NRL finals series when they went head-to-head in the opening game. @NRL Photos

International Rugby League approved an application by Gagai to change Tier 1 eligibility from Australia to New Zealand.

Gagai qualifies for New Zealand through his mother Tania and has represented his Ngāti Pikiāo heritage by playing for Māori All Stars since 2019.

He has previously played for Australia and was a member of the Kangaroos team which won the final of IRL Rugby League World Cup 2017.

Under IRL eligibility rules players who represent a Tier 1 nation – Australia, England and New Zealand – are unable to play for another Tier 1 nation.

Gagai’s application was initially rejected on those grounds.

However, IRL recently permitted Kalyn Ponga to switch his international allegiances to New Zealand and AJ Brimson to play for England after both had represented Australia at the IRL World Cup Nines in 2019.

Changes to State of Origin eligibility rules also enabled Briton Nikora, Casey McLean and Addin Fonua-Blake to play in this year’s series despite not being eligible for Australia as they have represented New Zealand.

An IRL Appeals Committee accepted that Gagai, who has played 23 State of Origins for Queensland, had not been afforded the same option.

Gagai has not played for Australia since 2018 and he was not selected in the preliminary 40-man squad for IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026.

IRL Chair Troy Grant said there were "special circumstances" in Gagai's case.

He said ARLC Executive Chairman Peter V’landys and Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters had supported Gagai’s application.

“Dane hasn’t played for Australia for eight years and we didn’t want him to be disadvantaged compared to other players with recent rule changes," Grant said.

“Dane wrote to us and Peter V’landys was very supportive. He felt there should be a bit of an amnesty period because we didn’t want one player disadvantaged over another, given that Dane wasn’t in the Kangaroos squad and it has been so long since he has played at international level. Kevin Walter was supportive too.

“Dane didn’t have the same option as other players who can play State of Origin and represent their heritage.

“It was felt that there were special circumstances in his case so Dane is now available for selection by New Zealand, and it is now up to them whether they pick him.”

Photo: Dane Gagai captained Māori All Stars in 2025. @NRL Photos

The IRL Appeals Committee also approved an application for Kaiyah Atai to play for New Zealand after representing Cook Islands in World Cup qualifying match in 2024 .

Atai was born in New Zealand but was initially ruled ineligible to play for the Kiwi Ferns as the World Cup qualifiers are considered part of RLWC26. Cook Islands did not qualify for RLWC26.

Rugby League World Cup 2026 returns to Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Where nations clash, heroes rise, and legends are forged. 3 World Cups. 26 Teams. The World’s Best. Tickets are now on sale from $19. Don’t miss the pinnacle of global Rugby League.