Paul Gallen turns back clock to spark Sharks past Wests Tigers
CRONULLA captain inspired his side to victory — as he has done so for the past 18 seasons. But the countdown to the end of his wonderful career looks to have begun.
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THEY were the big plays from a big-time player. And they are moments Cronulla fans had better savour while they can.
Sharks skipper inspired his side to victory — as he has done so for the past 18 seasons. But the countdown to the end of his wonderful career looks to have begun.
While he hasn’t officially decided whether to play on next year, The Daily Telegraph understands Gallen will hang up his boots.
The body of the 37-year-old warhorse isn’t what it once was but the old head is wise and his big heart still thumps.
Gallen dragged Cronulla back into the game in a come-from-behind 24-16 win over the Wests Tigers at Southern Cross Group Stadium.
With his side trailing 10-2 and looking lacklustre, Gallen took the ball at first receiver and bullocked his way 10m through three defenders to score a crucial try.
Five minutes later, Gallen was there to catch a Luke Brooks kick before a beautifully timed pass sent fullback Valentine Holmes on a 90m run to the tryline.
Sharks players ran to hug and congratulate Gallen on his deft pass.
It put Cronulla ahead 14-10, a lead they didn’t surrender, although there were a few hairy moments before a powerful solo try to Newcastle-bound centre Jesse Ramien sealed the win.
They were two massive plays from Gallen right when Cronulla needed them.
Asked about next season, Gallen said: “I haven’t thought about it yet. I will talk to ‘Flanno’ (coach Shane Flanagan) when we’re ready. We’ll sort it out.”
Gallen ran for 167m in yet another dominant display.
“It goes down as a try assist but it was Val, he ran 90m, it was a fair try,” Gallen said.
Pressed on his individual try, Gallen said: “I just ran and thankfully I got there. I was a little bit concerned at half-time.
“We were down 10-2 but the feeling in the dressing was a little bit down. I tried to talk and get going but I’m not always like that.
“I like to do it by my actions. I did try and get a bit of spark going but it didn’t seem to work. We were just a bit flat.
“We needed something. I’m not going to say it was a lucky play. I work hard every week and sometimes things go for you, sometimes they don’t. Today, I got that try.”
Flanagan said a charity asked him last week to donate money for each try his side scored.
“I nearly opened my big mouth and said, ‘If Gal scores, I’ll double it’. I didn’t think he’d score a try,” Flanagan said.
Sitting next to Flanagan at the post-match press conference, Gallen responded: “You did say it. You said $2000.”
Flanagan was full of praise for his leader.
“He scored a try and set one up,” Flanagan said.
“It doesn’t surprise me, he is a quality player. Gal is still playing good footy.”
Wests Tigers reduced Cronulla’s lead to just two points with 13 minutes remaining and Flanagan instantly rushed Gallen off the bench and back into the fray.
The Sharks have now won seven of their past eight games.
Cronulla scored three tries in 10 minutes midway through the second half to spark the win.
“It was a bit frustrating,” Flanagan said.
“In the first half, we didn’t have any blocks of possession.
“In the second half we played with a bit more composure, put them under pressure and came up with some decent tries.”
The first half was at times played in driving rain and chilly 13-degree temperatures.
Cronulla forward Luke Lewis came from the field in the 20th minute with concussion and did not return.
Wests Tigers finished the first half with 12 men after second-rower Michael Chee Kam was sin-binned for a professional foul, which seemed to be a harsh ruling.
CRONULLA 24 (P Gallen V Holmes E Lee J Ramien tries C Townsend 4 goals) bt WESTS TIGERS 16 (T Lolohea E Taylor tries E Masters 4 goals) at Southern Cross Group Stadium. Referee: Adam Gee, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski. Crowd: 13,093