Cronulla Sharks captain Paul Gallen no longer an 80-minute player

FINALLY, the battered and bruised body of ironman Paul Gallen will enjoy a well-deserved rest. His days of 80-minute games are over.

Paul Gallen

FINALLY, the battered and bruised body of ironman Paul Gallen will enjoy a well-deserved rest.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal Gallen's days of playing the entire 80 minutes of every game are over.

Sharks coach Shane Flanagan said yesterday his star player would now have a 10-minute break in all matches - maybe more.

Amazingly, Gallen has played 80 minutes in 118 games - 112 for Cronulla, four for NSW and two for Australia.

During the 2010 season, Gallen played the full 80 minutes in 22 games.

He is one of the most durable players in the game's history. But with a significantly improved forward roster, Flanagan now says Gallen could take a rest - and it just might prolong his career.

"I have spoken to Gal about this," Flanagan said. "He is a little older and smarter these days and I think he will benefit from the players we now have around him.

"In years gone by we have been heavily reliant on Gal.

"But his role will change. He will play a little on the edge and a little in the middle but won't be out there for the full 80 minutes anymore.

"We want to be smarter and look to play him for 60 to 70 minutes. There could be a 10-minute break for him just after halftime."

Paul Gallen

Recruits Luke Lewis and Chris Heighington have added to a back-row that already includes Anthony Tupou, Wade Graham and Jayson Bukuya.

"After a spell, I think he would be a lot more effective. Wade Graham, Jayson Bukuya, Luke Lewis, Chris Heighington and Anthony Tupou are in the back-row.

"I would be replacing him with quality," Flanagan said.

"In the past I haven't wanted to replace Gal because he is our best player.

"But the gap here between our best player and next best player isn't as big as what it used to be.

"This could prolong his career as well. Gal understands this and we have discussed it for a while. This will make him more explosive and the standard won't drop when he is off.

"I don't think he would be off for more than 10 minutes. The blokes next to him on the bench couldn't stand it any longer."

NSW coach Laurie Daley may employ a similar role for Gallen, who is certain to be named Blues skipper again next season.

'We can't rely on Gal to do all the work - the work has to be distributed evenly," Daley said.

"If there is an opportunity for us to give Gal a rest then that is something we would certainly look at."

Gallen is currently overseas although Cronulla did return to training this week.

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PARRAMATTA are still working with the NRL to sign Israel Folau. No decision is expected today.