Truth is out there
Paul Gallen has been living with "drug cheat" gibes for the past two years and there will be a time when he tells his side of what happened during the Stephen Dank days. And when he does the inaccuracy of the slur will be exposed.
He was tagged as a "self-confessed" drug cheat. He was set to fight ASADA until minutes before a deadline was set he was made an offer too good to refuse one that took away the legal bills and uncertainty that would have ensued. If he chose to fight he would have been stood down and could still have been waiting for his chance to prove his innocence.
This columnist knows what happened with Gallen, but it was told to me in an off-the-record meeting. It's his story to tell when he is ready.
Gallen can cope with the bad press and the smear that occurred on the morning of Origin II when the drug cheat line was tossed at him from a back page. Gallen gritted his teeth and played a strong game despite a painful rib injury.
If Gallen was going to wonder aloud about the negative publicity he received, he would be entitled to ask if there was any thought given to his welfare. Or the welfare of the other younger players dragged under the drugs bus.
Be certain of this: players were on the brink because of the ASADA scandal and they needed counselling and there have been ongoing concerns for their wellbeing. "I don't really want to talk about what they said," said Gallen. "I don't really give a stuff. What I do care about is that there were a number of people involved and they may be more prone to stress. You'd hate to see something bad happen."
While Gallen rolled with the punches, his family were fuming as was his coach Laurie Daley.
"I think it was a low blow," said Daley. "I understand things get said in the lead-up to the game. I understand the gibes, but some are below the belt. Gal didn't need more motivation, but it did us a favour, to be honest. Gal came up to me after the game and said because of the injury he felt like a passenger. But, gee, he is a hard marker. Gal is our spiritual leader. His presence gives us confidence. He is great for us."
