The skipper who managed to finally bring the trophy home to the Sutherland Shire after 50 years of trying, Paul Gallen capped an outstanding career when named Lock and Captain of the Sharks Team of the Half Century.
The last starting player named in the elite Sharks 50-year team as announced at the Gala Ball held at Doltone House, it was an emotional Gallen who accepted the honour.
“I’m truly humbled by tonight,” Gallen said after receiving his award from long time friend and Sharks benefactor Mal Greer. “This is a special night, an unbelievable honour and a night which I’m sure all of the 17 players and Shane (Flanagan) can say is one we’ll never forget.”
Gallen joined the Sharks in 2001, debuting in round 15 against his junior club the Eels.
Few could have imagined the career he would forge from there, with Gallen playing 282 games for Cronulla, 24 times for NSW, many of those as captain, and 32 Test matches for Australia.
While possessing a huge engine that enables him to play big minutes and churn out impressive stats each week, it was team success which he craved, the Grand Final win in 2016 the culmination of all Gallen’s previous efforts.
Gallen spoke to Sharks TV following the Gala Ball on Friday night. See what he had to say, now playing on Sharks TV.
