Aug 13th, 2018

Aug 13th, 2018

Cronulla Sharks captain Paul Gallen has revealed that he will make a decision on his playing future this week.

Speaking on 100% Footy, Gallen said that he had been alerted by his manager that he should make a decision sooner rather than later.

I have to make a call soon. It’s coming to the point now where it needs to be done, I need to make a decision,” Gallen said.

“I’ve got two home games left if I’m going to retire.”

(AAP) Gallen insisted that he is still enjoying his football despite his advanced age

Gallen revealed that he had been in constant dialogue with Sharks coach Shane Flanagan, and admitted that his premiership coach will have a big say in what his decision will be.

“I’ll be guided a lot by Flanno this week,” he said.

“We spoke about it earlier in the year and he said 'I don't care if you make a decision after the season, I support you in what you want to do, but we've got to do the best thing by the club'.

“I've got a great relationship with Flanno. He's 100 percent honest with me.”

NRL Press Conference: Cronulla Sharks - Round 22

Gallen, who turns 37 tomorrow, has enjoyed a fine season despite his advanced age, and he explained that his hunger and drive has not yet diminished.

“People keep telling me you’ll know when you’ll want to retire,” he said.

“You won’t want to make those tackles, you won’t want to make those runs anymore, but I’m still doing it.

“It’s not about the metres I make or the tackles I make, but it’s the way I’m doing them.

(AAP) Gallen admitted that his decision will be 'guided' by the opinion of his coach Shane Flanagan

“We get rated on everything, we’ve got a green or a red system at Cronulla and I’m in the green on all (the categories).”

Flanagan has discussed Gallen’s playing future previously and said that his captain’s age would not factor into whether he is offered a contract for 2019.

“I don’t look at his birth certificate. He does a really good job for us and he’s been pretty healthy,” Flanagan said last month.

“He’s had no injuries so if he wants to play, the mental side of things, if he’s ready to go again, he’ll go again.”

Gallen and the Sharks are flying high after topping the Melbourne Storm in Round 22, and will look to consolidate a top four spot when they take on the Cowboys on Saturday night.