Sharks skipper Paul Gallen re-signs with the club for 2017 swan song
PAUL Gallen has signed a one-year contract extension with Cronulla, confirming that the veteran forward will go around again in 2017.
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CRONULLA captain Paul Gallen achieved a career goal on Wednesday with a new 12-month deal ensuring he remains a one-club man — while inadvertently guaranteeing he’ll retire as the oldest Shark.
But according to Gallen, there are still more boxes to be ticked, including becoming just the second player to play 300 first-grade games for the club, and one more important goal of which he hopes to achieve in the next 10 days.
“I always wanted to be a one-club player and this contract will allow me to do with the Sharks,’’ Gallen said.
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“I signed my first deal in 1999 and this is my home and where my heart will always be.
“For that reason, my next goal is an obvious one, to win a grand final.
“Hopefully we can achieve that by winning on Friday night, which will take us one step closer to fulfilling our dream.’’
Having overcome a serious back injury, Gallen will lead Cronulla out against North Queensland onto Allianz Stadium in Friday night’s preliminary final, desperate to atone for last year’s 39-0 semi-final loss to the Cowboys that sent them packing from the finals race.
It’s amazing to think two years ago the Sharks were languishing at the bottom of the NRL ladder, with fellow preliminary finalist Canberra just above them in 15th place.
A captain’s run on Thursday will complete the Sharks’ preparation for one of the biggest games in the club’s history.
“I would’ve happily waited to sign the contract after this weekend or next because honestly, all I’m focused on is playing the Cowboys,’’ Gallen said.
“But I was never not going to play again next year, so it was all nice and easy to just put pen to paper yesterday.’’
At age 35 and 39 days, Gallen can surpass fellow Cronulla warrior Les Davidson as the club’s oldest player next season.
Davidson was 35 and 113 days when he retired in 1998.
Friday night’s preliminary final will be Gallen’s 278th appearance for the Sharks, which places him second on the honour roll of most games for the club.
It would be impossible for Gallen to reel in club legend Andrew Ettingshausen’s record of 328 first-grade games for the club, however, the magical 300 mark is what the NSW captain will strive for.
“That’s definitely something I spoke to the club about when we were working through the contract,’’ Gallen said.
“To play 300 first-grade games would be something very special. And to do it in the club’s 50th year anniversary celebrations would be something I’d very proud of.
“But that’s next year. As I said, as a team, we’ve still got so much to achieve as a group this year.’’
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