Cronulla great Paul Gallen has revealed he turned down a massive $750,000-a-season deal from Newcastle before recommitting to the Sharks, as reported The Sydney Morning Herald.
The 38-year old spoke to former Knights footy manager Darren Mooney and Newcastle-bound Cronulla assistant James Shepherd at the end of the 2017 season, but ultimately opted to stay in Cronulla on a much smaller deal worth around $300,000.
Gallen holds no regrets over his decision, opening up on the challenges a player of his age would've faced in moving to a rebuilding club.
"I thought we had the team to win a comp here, we ended up making the grand final qualifier but had too many injuries,'' said Gallen, as he modelled a special jersey to be worn in his honour on Sunday, the last home game before the stadium overhaul.
"If you look at the roster we've got now, we should be further up [the ladder] than where we are.
"Newcastle were rebuilding. I'd done that three or four times [in my career] and it's hard for senior players when you're rebuilding, there's a lot of pressure on you, a lot of expectation, and I didn't want to deal with it again.
"For the amount of money - and it was a lot of money - it wasn't all worth it.
"I do things outside of footy here, I'm involved in a couple of businesses I work for which I enjoy, and I probably wouldn't have been able to do that. The Channel Nine deal, travelling two hours up and down the freeway once or twice a week also wouldn't have helped.
"I don't regret not going. I'm quite happy I stayed.|
"It was done between myself, Darren Mooney and my manager. Our assistant coach at the time was James Shepherd and he was going up there. We talked a bit. I never had a discussion with 'Browny' about it.
"There's not one bit of regret I didn't go.''
Ahead of his final game for the club this weekend, Gallen admits it will be an emotional send off.
"This place has been my second home for 20 years. I've probably spent more time here than I have at home. It will be emotional. I just want to win the game. If we lose I'll be upset, but if we win I'm a fair chance of crying.''
The nrl should reward players who make sacrifices to stay one club players.
Juniors should be encouraged to stay put.
Yeah, they did. They ignored the salary cap infringements in 2016.
Well there ya go, what a guy & great clubman. Onya Gal, well hopefully your team can put the effort in & get you that win Sun arvo.
Hope the Sharks lose this weekend, would be a fitting end to the big man’s career.
Of course he knocked back the Knights offer.
The Sharks paid him a good amount and made up the shortfall with peptides.
Legend. If there was half the loyalty and toughness of this bloke regularly going around the NRL would be much better for it. Hope he goes out the winner and warrior he deserves to be remembered as.
Will always be remembered as a drugs cheat.