Former New South Wales hooker Michael Ennis says Newcastle flyer Dane Gagai must be included in the Kangaroos side to take on the Kiwis in May.

A star for Queensland in the 2016 Origin series and an Indigenous All Star, Gagai has been outstanding for the struggling Newcastle in 2017 and on Saturday against the Bulldogs, was again the Knights best player.

With Greg Inglis out for the season, Ennis (pictured) believes it is time for Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga to hand Gagai his international debut.