Paul Gallen to equal Andrew Ettingshausen’s record of 328 matches played for Cronulla

On Saturday, Paul Gallen will equal Andrew Ettingshausen’s record of 328 matches played for Cronulla. But if not for one phone call, history could have been very different.

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Had Andrew Ettingshausen failed to answer the phone call, his record which has remained untouchable for the past 18 years would still be intact.

“In 2007, Gal (Paul Gallen) called me to have a chat,’’ Ettingshausen said.

Gallen hung-up from the 20-minute conversation with the retired Sharks legend unaware of it’s life-changing impact.

Until now.

On Saturday against the Gold Coast at Shark Park, Gallen will equal Ettingshausen’s record of 328 matches — the most games played for Cronulla in the club’s 52-year history.

Two of the Sharks’ greatest players will sit together above a collection of club champions including David Peachey (232), Mitch Healey (223) and Dane Sorensen (216).

Gallen with ET in front of the iconic Sharks mural in Cronulla. Image: Brett Costello

But as Ettingshausen told The Daily Telegraph, it’s a record Gallen may never have achieved.

“Gal had a pretty decent offer from another club to leave Cronulla,’’ Ettingshausen said, referring to Manly’s bid to steal Gallen away from the Shire in 2007.

“He was struggling with the decision, so he just called for some advice.

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“I’d been through a similar moment in my career where I had a good offer from Alan Jones, who was in charge of the Balmain Tigers at the time.

“I appreciated the interest, but there’s more to careers than just chasing the money.

“And what I could never reconcile with was, what if the Sharks won their first premiership and I was playing for another club?

ET playing for Cronulla back in 1997.

“I just couldn’t consider how that would make me feel, after being with Cronulla for so long, through all the bad times and the good times.

“And so Gal was in a very similar position. I didn’t convince him one way or another, but what I said was exactly that.

“Nothing — I didn’t think, could replace being the first captain to lift the premiership trophy for the Sharkies.

“I’m glad Gal was able to do exactly that.’’

Ettingshausen after his final game, with Mitch Healey, in 2000. Image: Roy Haverkamp

Gallen added: “That’s the thing about ET, he has always made himself available to me, whenever I’ve needed advice or a chat.

“What he said was right, I could’ve left for Manly. They were offering double what I was on at the Sharks.

“But that lure of leading this club to a premiership is what ultimately kept me here.’’

A Parramatta junior, Gallen left the Eels’ rich nursery at the end of 1999, once again thanks to Ettingshausen and fellow club legends Mat Rogers, Jason Stevens and Peachey.

An almost-babyfaced Gallen takes on South Sydney in 2003.

“I remember I used to watch Sunday afternoon football and the Sharks were playing on Caltex Field back then and they were virtually unbeatable at home in the late 1990s, early 2000s,’’ Gallen, 37, said.

“I wanted to be a part of that, so I arrived at the club and made my debut the year after ET retired. I would have loved to have played just one season with him.’’

The emotional embrace of Gallen and Ettingshausen after the full-time siren of Cronulla’s 2016 grand final win remains one of sport’s most iconic photos.

In the heart of Cronulla, the image has been turned into a lifelike mural on a brick wall facing The Kingsway.

And it could soon be immortalised in the shape of a bronzed statue at the entrance of Shark Park — possibly ahead of Gallen’s retirement at the end of this season.

Ettingshausen paid tribute to Gallen despite his stunning record set to be ultimately lowered, should Gallen play against North Queensland in round three.

The pair’s famous embrace after Cronulla’s 2016 Grand Final triumph. Image: Brett Costello

“I suppose you always think at some stage, someone is going to beat it,’’ Ettingshausen said.

“Four or five years ago, I can remember being in the dressing room and Gal had gone 200-games and he looked up and said, ‘I’m never going to get your record.

“It just shows you how quickly the years tick on, the game’s mount up and here he is with 328 games, this coming weekend and he will go past it, after that.

“Anybody who can play 300-plus games for your club and be a one-club player, that’s a great thrill for the player themself because it’s a great achievement and it says a lot about the club he’s proud of.

“Gal has been able to win a premiership along the way and I’m sure that premiership feels a lot better having played for the Sharks, as opposed to moving to another club, and winning a premiership.

“I don’t think it would’ve meant the same.’’

This was why Gallen stuck with Cronulla. Image: Brett Costello

One thing is for certain, Gallen never thought he’d be in a position to break Ettingshausen’s record against the Titans on Saturday, admitting he’s “embarrassed” to be usurping the “great ET.”

“ET summed it up perfectly,’’ Gallen said.

“I got to 250-games with a couple of seasons left in me, but to equal his record I feel a bit bad about it to be honest, because he was always a hero of mine and to me, he’s still King ET.’’