Sharks captain Paul Gallen has confirmed reports he will miss State of Origin game one due to his continued on-going issues with a hip injury.
While Gallen’s gluteal/hip problem is beginning to improve, the State of Origin series opener will come about a week or so too soon, with the NSW skipper likely to be sidelined for another three to four weeks.
“The Sharks and NSW Origin medical staff got together and discussed my situation and where I was at with the rehab and it’s just too big a risk to play with the injury as it is at the moment,” Gallen said.
“If I came back too soon and re-tore it, which would be a real possibility, it would be season-ending.”
Gallen was also mindful of the NSW team preparations for the May 27 blockbuster, with speculation and media attention as to his potential appearance a possible distraction to his Blues teammates.
“The other reason we made the decision we have, I wouldn’t be able to train with the NSW team next week, which would disrupt their preparations. The speculation as to whether or not I could play wouldn’t help the NSW team either,” he said.
“At this stage I’m also unlikely to be fit for the Sharks next game against the Dragons, it’s only three days after Origin 1. More realistically I’m another 3-4 weeks on the sidelines.”
As far as the Sharks are concerned, Gallen looks certain to miss the local derby clash against the Dragons, however if everything goes to plan, he is a possible starter for the round 13 match-up with the Roosters, with the NSW team for game two chosen after that particular weekend of matches.
The Sharks left without Gallen today for the Gold Coast, where they will take on the Titans at Cbus Super Stadium tomorrow night.
