Paul Gallen retires from State of Origin a fierce warrior, more than what his stats show

PAUL Gallen has played 21 Origin games, winning just eight, but the true story of his career isn’t found in these cold, hard facts.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 08: Paul Gallen of the Blues runs the ball during game three of the State of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium on July 8, 2015 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

STATS can be so cold and impersonal. They offer no lifeblood, no human emotion.

Equations and figures that omit heart, courage and commitment. That is why I desperately hope fans don’t rate Paul Gallen’s NSW career based purely on statistics.

Gallen has decided to retire from Origin after this year’s series. He has played 21 Origin games, winning just eight.

Paul Gallen’s career in pictures

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The true story however isn’t found in these cold, hard facts.

Gallen is a warrior. He will forever be remember as one of the fiercest, toughest and most dedicated players to ever represent NSW.

In recent years, he became our leader and inspiration.

Gallen was the face of NSW. A player who had a steely commitment to his state, a player who had genuine hatred for Queensland. He was old-school.

I hate seeing players on losing sides laughing with opposition players at fulltime. Do they really care?

Take a look at Gallen after a loss. He hurts, he stings.

Paul Gallen took every NSW loss personally. Pic: Gregg Porteous

Gallen deserves a better record playing in an era dominated by arguably the greatest State of Origin side in history.

Any legendary players of yesteryear would have the same modest playing record against this brilliant Maroons side which has won nine of the past ten series.

But you just cannot rate players on team records. Gallen gave NSW strength, power and iron will to win.

He says what he thinks. He plays how he wants.

It was a definitive moment when Gallen decided to not put up with Nate Myles’ bullying anymore.

Who will ever forget the day he jobbed Nate Myles? It was the moment when NSW said they have had enough of Queensland’s arrogance.

No-one will ever forget the warm embrace Gallen shared with NSW coach Laurie Daley in the middle of ANZ Stadium moments after the historic 2014 Origin success. Both men in tears.

Gallen shouldn’t be remembered for his 13 Origin losses. He should and will be remembered as NSW colossus. A player every rugby league in NSW loved, cherished and admired. They don’t make ‘em like ‘Gal’ anymore.