Gallen to Return to Sharks Training
Wednesday, 23 December 2009
Cronulla Sharks Australian and NSW back rower, Paul Gallen, today confirmed he'll be at Sharks training on January 11 in preparation for the 2010 season.
Gallen has ended recent media speculation by confirming his desire to move forward with the Club, as he has been an integral part of the Sharks for ten seasons.
"It's been a difficult 18 months at the Sharks and it’s fair to say I was disappointed with a few issues and the way the Club handled them. I am very passionate and was frustrated at times with players leaving for various reasons and I felt the Club could have supported those players and I a little better, considering a variety of personal sacrifices I have made for the Club," Gallen said.
"Again I was disappointed to be fined last week, however I understand this is a new administration and after discussions with Richard Fisk and Damian Irvine I am in no doubt that they are working towards making changes for the better and I am looking forward to being a part of this in Season 2010. It's been refreshing to be able to air my concerns and clear the air in a positive fashion.”
Gallen is the Club’s longest serving Player and stressed that while frustrated with recent events, he is not whinging about money, despite reports to the contrary.
“This has never been about money. I have been with the Sharks since I left high school and have knocked back many lucrative offers from other Clubs in the past, to stay in the Shire, including a pay cut in 2009 when I extended terms with the Club.”
While Gallen does have some history with the judiciary for on field incidents, he has never been in trouble off the field – this recent incident his first in ten years.
Gallen and his Manager, David Riolo, met with both Coach Ricky Stuart and CEO Richard Fisk last week to discuss some issues, but have not at any stage requested a release from his contract.
"I wish to confirm that at no time has my Management or myself requested a release from the Sharks. I am aware that this kind of speculation can affect my team mates and that's why I want to clear it up now so it doesn't detract from the hard work and fantastic preparation everyone has been putting in.
We have committed to sit down on my return to training and discuss any outstanding issues. I'm confident that with the lines of communication and relationship we now share that we are heading for a positive and exciting season at the Sharks," he concluded.
Sharks Chief Executive, Richard Fisk, reiterated that Gallen is an integral part of the Club's plans in the future.
"Paul's announcement today provides stability for our Club to move forward. I'm sure the news will be well received by his teammates, coaching staff, off-field staff, Members and Sponsors who have all put so much work and preparation in for 2010," Mr. Fisk said.
"This week has given us all an opportunity to air some of those issues that were yet to be clarified and settled that have carried over from the previous administration. I know Paul has appreciated being able to reflect to our Chairman some of the frustrations he experienced throughout 2008 and 2009.
"It all bodes well for 2010 and beyond and reinforces the very positive and promising pre-season that our football club as a whole has enjoyed in recent months."
