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http://www.smh.com.au/sport/boxing/...ish-nrl-career-as-a-prop-20141202-11ym1w.htmlCronulla Sharks captain Paul Gallen says he expects to finish NRL career as a prop
December 2, 2014 - 9:45PM
Adrian Proszenko
Chief Rugby League Reporter
Face-to-face: Anthony Watts (left) and Paul Gallen get up close and personal at Tuesday's weigh-in. Photo: Getty Images
Cronulla captain Paul Gallen is resigned to finishing his NRL career as a front-rower.
Gallen, who takes on former Sharks teammate Anthony Watts on the undercard to Wednesday night's Daniel Geale-Jarrod Fletcher bout at the Hordern Pavilion, has spent the majority of his career in the No.13 jersey.
But the loss of Siosaia Vave and Bryce Gibbs in the off season will likely necessitate a shift from the back to the front row.
"I've got a gut feel [coach Shane Flanagan] will play me at prop, to be honest," Gallen said.
"If you have a look at our roster, that might be the position we are one player short. I think I'll be playing prop.
"Obviously, I love the No.13, but I'm happy to play wherever the team needs me. We've got some good back-rowers there and playing prop or lock is pretty much the same thing, it's just a number on my back. Wherever Flano wants me to play."
Gallen weighed in at 101.35 kilograms, about five kilograms lighter than his league playing weight. However, he said he had recovered from a staph infection in his groin and there would be no excuses for his performance against Watts, a bout few expect to go the distance.
"I want to knock him out, he wants to knock me out," Gallen said.
"There's no point talking about it, I'll just get the job done in the ring. As long as I win, that's all I'm worried about it."
The 33-year-old was unconcerned about the prospect of being sledged on the field if he lost to former jailbird Watts.
"I might cop a sledge or two, it doesn't really matter," he said.
"I've had three fights before this one, it's not like all of a sudden people can't tackle me [when he wins].
"People say 'if you lose, are you worried you'll lose your aura in footy?'. Not at all. If I win, does it make me untouchable? Not at all. It's a different sport."
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