Dane Gagai says Newcastle’s announcement of his departure for NRL rivals South Sydney next year won’t be a distraction ahead of Wednesday night’s State of Origin opener in Brisbane.

The Knights let it be known days before Gagai entered Queensland’s Origin I camp that the utility back would leave for the Rabbitohs next year, reportedly on a three year, $2.1 million deal.

The Maroons winger opted not to take up a 2018 option with the rebuilding Knights.

“It wasn’t a decision I made overnight,” Gagai said at Queensland’s Gold Coast Origin camp.

“That was done well before.

“But leading into this camp that’s done now.

“Once I got that phone call (from the Maroons) and there was no more to do with the Knights, then all my focus goes on representing this jersey best way I can.

“It’s all about being in this moment.”

Gagai joined the Knights in 2012 and has played 116 of his 122 NRL matches for them.

He didn’t want to talk about his move while on Maroons duty.

“I have been fortunate enough to be picked for the Maroons side so all my focus goes into that,” he said.

“There is no point worrying about anything else.

“The only time when something happens is when you guys bring it up.

“It is not on my mind. I am purely concentrating on preparing best that I can for game one.”

Maroons selectors have kept the faith with Gagai despite playing for the dead last Knights.

After scoring five tries in four Origins, he says his confidence hasn’t taken a hit at the struggling club ahead of the series opener.

“Not really, whenever I am in camp I give my all,” he said.