He could have been a very good player at the Parramatta Eels had injury not struck and with the logjam at the Cronulla Sharks, Jacob Gagan can be forgiven for seeking greener pastures.
With the Newcastle Knights immediate need for quality back-line players in light of several departing, they have signed Gagan on a 1-year deal for the 2017 season.
He made a quick name for himself at the Sharks when he played in 7 NRL games and scored 5 tries during that time.
He was also a strong performer for the Newtown Jets – the Sharks feeder side – in the Intrust Super Premiership, finishing among the top try-scorers with 15.
With the need for back-line depth to shore up their options, it is a signing that pleases the club’s head coach.
“Jacob is a talented young player that has been restricted from playing more NRL football due to an accomplished, premiership winning Sharks back line,” coach Nathan Brown said.
“He will add some really good depth to our outside backs.”
As for Gagan himself, with the healthy competition for spots, he relishes the chance to play regular first-grade.
“I’m looking to have a good pre-season and hopefully push for a spot next year,” he said.
“As soon as I found out I was coming to the Knights, I was excited.
“Everyone has been very welcoming, and I’m enjoying it so far.”