Cronulla Sharks co-captain Paul Gallen confirms next season will be his last in the NRL
WHEN Paul Gallen was 18, he signed a one-year deal worth $2000 and drove his blue Mitsubishi Colt from Greystanes to begin his NRL career at Cronulla. That was almost 20 years ago.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
PODCAST: Dream destination for Barba
TEAM LISTS: Sharks v Cowboys
WHEN Paul Gallen was 18, he signed a one-year deal worth $2000 and drove his blue Mitsubishi Colt from Greystanes to begin his NRL career at Cronulla.
Almost 20-years later, the ageless Sharks co-captain has declared he will finish as a rare one-club man, on a career-ending one-year deal.
While obviously worth more than $2000, The Daily Telegraph understands Gallen’s one-year contract for a remarkable 19th season will be the smallest contract he’s earned in 12 seasons.
WANT TO WIN 2018 NRL TELSTRA PREMIERSHIP GRAND FINAL TICKETS? FILL OUT THE SURVEY BELOW FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!
The decision to postpone retirement for another year means that if the Sharks legend plays in next year’s final series, he will be 38 — making him the oldest player in 52-years.
North Sydney Bears forward Billy Wilson was 40 when he retired in 1967.
Gallen, 37, who made his NRL debut in 2001, still has the drive and motivation to play-on — which has been illustrated in his 2018 season performances.
Averaging 58 minutes and 133 metres, the warhorse has proven the Sharks benchmark forward this year.
After seeking counsel from Sharks coach Shane Flanagan and the club’s respected head of high performance Andrew Gray earlier this week, Gallen said he made the decision to play-on.
Gray’s input, offering both key GPS data and comparisons with every forward in the game, was telling.
“Over the last couple of days I’ve spoken to a lot of people close to me, but most importantly my coach Shane Flanagan,’’ Gallen told The Daily Telegraph.
“All the key indicators which Andrew showed me, in attack and defence, helped that decision.
“The other big factor is, I’m still waking up every day enjoying playing and feeling like I’m contributing to the team.
“Unlike teammates who have retired in the past, I haven’t felt that moment arrive where you know, you’d be better served retiring.
“I want to make sure that I finish my career at the end of next year with no regrets.
“A big part of the decision, which I’m excited about, is to be able to mentor and encourage some of our best young forwards coming through the club next year.
“Guys like Jayden Brailey, Jack Williams, Scott Sorensen, Kurt Capewell, Briton Nikora, Billy Magoulias, I want to help in anyway I can to help their careers and ensure they stay at the club for years to come.
“But that’s where talk of next year stops.
“Having been around a long time, you know the opportunities like we currently have at the club don’t come around often.
“I’ve been through the worse of worse times and I’ve been through the good times.
“We’ve got a big eight weeks ahead of us and with this decision now out of my mind, I just want to help the boys give it everything we’ve got.’’
Get 3 months free Sport HD + Entertainment on a 12 month plan and watch every game of every round of the 2018 NRL Telstra Premiership on FOX SPORTS. T&Cs apply. SIGN UP NOW >