Alex McKinnon has put aside State of Origin hostilities to praise good mate Dane Gagai after his sensational State of Origin debut in Queensland’s series-clinching win.

McKinnon’s former Newcastle teammate Gagai, 24, rose to the occasion on debut, amassing 104m in attack and crossing for the Maroons’ first try in their 52-6 game-three romp at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.

Wearing an arm band with “Alex” written on it, Gagai bounced back from a nervous start to shine on the wing in Queensland’s eight-tries-to-one rout.

McKinnon made headlines before the match after his scathing criticism of Queensland skipper Cameron Smith’s on-field behaviour following the tackle last year that left the ex-Knights forward in a wheelchair.

However, McKinnon – once a fringe Blues player – only had love for Gagai after the match.

“I’m nsw through & through but I’m so proud & couldn’t be happier for my brother You deserve everything you get #razor,” McKinnon tweeted with a photo of Gagai celebrating his try.