Hopefully thats true for gal. We all know how much he loved origin
Not so sure myself now. It's been reported as a disc related injury. If he's prolapsed a disc 100 needles won't get him back on the field this year.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...y/news-story/f62390fa920795a162dde3a6a828d81e
Sharks skipper Paul Gallen in doubt for clash with Canberra due to back injury
DAVID RICCIO, The Daily Telegraph
in an hour
CRONULLA will need to produce one of the club’s most famous victories tonight with captain Paul Gallen struggling to be fit for the qualifying final blockbuster with Canberra at GIO Stadium.
The Sharks inspirational leader is clinging to a miracle recovery from a serious back injury suffered at training this week — but The Saturday Telegraph understands those hopes are minor.
The combination of causing further damage to his back and the fact that Cronulla will receive a second chance next week should they lose to the Raiders, could lead the Sharks medical staff to err on the side of caution.
Alternatively, should Cronulla record an against the odds win, it would allow Gallen a fortnight to be fit for a potential grand final qualifier in Sydney.
Paul Gallen receives treatment during the clash with the Storm. Picture: Colleen Petch
Gallen suffered the disc-related injury during his team’s routine gym session midweek and despite constant physiotherapy he was unable to participate in the club’s ‘Captain’s run’ yesterday.
Having produced 204 metres against the Melbourne Storm last weekend, Gallen’s omission would leave a gaping hole in the Sharks forward pack, which has already been rocked by serious injury.
Cronulla forwards Sam Tagataese (shoulder) and Joseph Paulo (knee) have been ruled out for the remainder of the finals series resulting in rookie forward Kurt Capewell being chosen if Gallen is ruled out.
Wade Graham would captain the side.
As revealed by The Daily Telegraph yesterday, Gallen failed to board the team bus to Canberra which departed the Sutherland Shire just after midday.
The Test forward was planning to continue rehabilitation on his back last night in the desperate hope that he could rush to the nation’s capital separately, in time for this afternoon’s 5.30pm kick-off.
In front of a sold-out GIO Stadium, against a hulking Raiders pack, the sidelining of Gallen would ensure the home side start even shorter-priced favourites to advance to their first preliminary final since 1995.
Sharks coach Shane Flanagan gave no indication that Gallen was in doubt during his final media conference at 11am yesterday, appearing upbeat about the prospect of his side being underdogs against a confident Canberra outfit today.
Paul Gallen receives treatment during the round 26 NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and the Cronulla Sharks.
Even without Gallen, the Sharks boast a noted experience edge over the Raiders in big matches with the likes of Origin and premiership players James Maloney, Michael Ennis, Luke Lewis and Chris Heighington.
But according to Flanagan, it would all mean little once both teams clash tonight.
“It’s just a number, once you run out onto that football field it means nothing,’’ Flanagan said.
“I don’t see it too much as an advantage, especially once we run out. They’re a quality footy team.
“We don’t look at how many semi finals they’ve played. I’ve seen a real excitement at training, especially today. We’re there now and it’s exciting.’’
