Paul Gallen, former Captain, club legend and Hall of Fame member and now successful businessman and media personality, has joined the Sharks Board of Directors as an Appointed Director.
The appointment, made by Chairman Steve Mace, is for an initial one-year term and reflects the Board's ongoing commitment to building a high-calibre, diverse governance structure that balances commercial expertise with deep football knowledge.
Since retiring at the end of the 2019 season, following a club record 348 NRL games, over 200 of those as captain, Gallen has successfully built a strong personal brand, business and media career, showing commercial nous, as well as the discipline and resilience he was known for during his playing days.
"Paul has been one of the most influential figures in our history," Mace began. "He understands that this next chapter isn't about playing the game but about shaping the future of the Club. His insights on football, media and the game more broadly will strengthen our governance.
"This isn't about tokenism or other external pressure, it's about strengthening our Club and the timing of this is evidence of that. Paul's appointment is based on merit, and he will add real value to the Sharks at a Board level," Mace added.
As for the opportunity to play a role as a member of the Sharks Board, Gallen is looking forward to embracing the challenge and to continuing to contribute to success at the Cronulla club.
"The Sharks have been such a huge part of my life, and I see this as my next challenge. I'm not here to sit back. I want to contribute in a meaningful way to the future of the Club," Gallen said.
"I know my strengths are in football and media and that's where I'll focus. The Sharks have built a strong Board under Steve Mace, with real expertise, and my job is to add value in my lane and to support the team around the table."
The Sharks' Board has been deliberate and careful in its governance approach, with this most recent appointment another example of efforts to strengthen the Club's position in the game, with a focus on long-term sustainability and growth.
"The Sharks Board has evolved significantly," Mace continued. "We've gone from being a football club on the brink of solvency many years ago to a modern football business with strong governance structures.
"Paul's appointment shows our continued commitment to building a Board that is best-in-class across business, risk, infrastructure and football.
"We're positioning the Sharks to be serious competitors in the NRL both on and off the field. This is another step in ensuring our future is strong, disciplined and competitive," Mace said
Gallen is set to sit on the Board's Football Committee, dealing with recruitment and retention, operational structures and market insights, will contribute in the area of Media & Communications by leveraging his significant profile to guide messaging and educate fellow Directors on best practice, while also providing football education to the Directors in bridging the gap between a football ‘club' and football ‘business', ensuring future Board decisions are informed by real football understanding.
"We've come a long way as a Club, and I want to help ensure that continues," Gallen said.
"From recruitment and retention through to how we present ourselves in the media, I believe I can help the Sharks stay competitive and strong."
Candid discussions with the Chairman and Sharks Directors prompted the appointment, with Gallen demonstrating self-awareness and a clear commitment to "providing heartfelt contribution whilst understanding best value comes from also staying in his lane" and in adding value where his expertise is strongest.
This appointment is part of a deliberate strategy by the Sharks' Board to continually strengthen governance and leadership, sending a clear message the Sharks are serious about being a leader in the NRL both on and off the field.
The Sharks Board now combines deep expertise across business, finance, risk, infrastructure and football, giving them Club an edge in the increasingly competitive landscape of professional sport.
With Gallen's appointment, the Sharks have struck the balance of respecting their football DNA while driving forward as a disciplined, modern organisation.
