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Gallen’s NRL future remains clouded

After a commanding performance against the Tigers, Gallen is still unsure if he will extend his career into an 18th season.

Published by
Ben Cotton

Sharks skipper Paul Gallen is still undecided whether or not he will play on next season following a dominant performance in his side's win over the Wests Tigers.

Gallen ignited Cronulla on Sunday with a solo try when they were down by eight with 30 minutes left in the game, then assisted Valentines Holmes' game-winning try.

"I saw (Tuimoala) Lolohea there and the hooker, I saw the same two in the first half. That's when I passed back inside to Jack Williams but unfortunately we came up with an error," Gallen told The Sydney Morning Herald

"So I wasn't going to pass this time, just ran and thankfully got there."

The 36-year old finished the match with 167m, three tackle busts and 39 tackles.

"It doesn't surprise me. I just think he's quality player and he's still playing good footy as you saw today," Sharks coach Shane Flanagan said.

"[If] Gal doesn't come up with that pass and Val doesn't get into position, we're backing off our tryline again and it goes back into that arm wrestle a bit.

"To be able to score a length-of-the-field try at any period of the game, especially when the score was where it was, was crucial for us."

The oldest player in the competition, Gallen has played 310 NRL games across 17 seasons since debuting in 2001.

Asked whether or not he will play on in 2019, Gallen said "I haven't thought about it yet. I'll talk to Flanno. Me and Flanno will discuss it when we're ready and we'll sort it out."

Published by
Ben Cotton