Brisbane Broncos would love to talk to unhappy Paul Gallen
By Wayne Heming
December 22, 2009
Brisbane Broncos have signalled their interest in Cronulla enforcer Paul Gallen amid speculation the Australia forward is unhappy and wants out of the Sharks next season.
A Sydney newspaper reported on Tuesday that Gallen was aggrieved after his latest disciplinary fine from the club last week and approaches had been made on his behalf
to rival NRL clubs.
“We'd be really interested in sitting down and having a talk with him,” Brisbane coach Ivan Henjak told AAP on Tuesday just before the Sharks issued a statement expressing surprise at the newspaper report.
“He's the type of player who would fit into our forward pack.
“He'd certainly bring a bit of an aura and some presence with him.''
Gallen is understood to be upset over his latest $10,000 fine, for urinating in public.
The report said his manager David Riolo had held secret talks with Wests Tigers and Manly about the possibility of him joining them in 2010.
“I don't really want to comment on the report, I am on holidays,” Riolo said when contacted by AAP.
“Paul has a contract for 2010 and I can't see the Sharks letting him go.”
Brisbane fired off an email to Riolo on Tuesday saying they would like to talk to Gallen if the reports were correct.
“If he is interested in coming to the Broncos, we'd be very interested in talking to him,” said Henjak.
“I don't think his recent off-field incidents would stop any club from wanting him.
“In a good culture and the right environment like the Broncos, I think he would thrive.
“I'm sure he would be a great player here and contribute to our club but at this stage we haven't spoken to him.”
The rugged State of Origin and Test back-rower was stripped of the Sharks captaincy and fined $10,000 earlier this year over a racial slur.
It's understood he was bitterly disappointed to be slapped with the latest fine, half of which was suspended, and has reportedly told friends he has lost the desire to resume training with the Sharks next month.
Cronulla officials reacted to the bombshell by releasing a statement on Tuesday which declared their former skipper was “an integral part of the club's plans” for the length of his contract, which runs until the end of 2011.
“I am aware that Paul was disappointed to be fined for his most recent off-field indiscretion, but having spoken to him and his manager on several occasions I am surprised to read today's story,” said Sharks chief executive Richard Fisk.
“These discussions covered a variety of issues in relation to Paul's on-going career at the Sharks and no official request for a release has been received by the club.”
While Manly have the money following the departure of Matt Orford, they would be reluctant to do anything to jeopardise efforts to re-sign representative back-rowers Anthony Watmough and Glenn Stewart.
AAP
Source: Foxsports
