While 2016 will go down as one of Paul Gallen’s most successful years for reasons not need be said, in 2017 Paul Gallen wound the clock right back.
At 36 years of age, the Sharks skipper showed that despite his age, he is still one force to be reckoned with in the NRL.
Not only was he crowned Monty Porter Medallist, the Sharks’ highest personal honour, he was voted Dally M Lock of the Year, an honour held high amongst player’s league-wide.
Up against quality players in his position such as Jason Taumalolo, Josh McGuire and Dale Finucane, Gallen saw off the competition by playing as arguably the Sharks best player week in, week out.
Overall, Gallen ran for a total of 4,532 metres in 2017, second to only Taumalolo who clocked up a record breaking 5,350, which included the 2017 Finals Series.
Given the fact that Paul Gallen is 12 years older than the powerful Cowboy’s lock, it is remarkable that Gallen was even in the same ball park.
What it is though is testament to the dedication and hard work Gallen puts in off the field. From rest to recovery, diet to sleep, Paul Gallen has maintenance down to an art form.
And with one more year to go in the black, white and blue, what can we expect from the resilient skipper in 2018?
With no representative Rugby League on the horizon for Gallen and the inclusion of some world class players to the Sharks’ squad, here’s to another massive season for the fearless leader of the Sharks.
