THERE was just 30 seconds left on the clock and the Sharks were down by two, with ball in hand on fourth tackle.

Chief playmaker Chad Townsend was the man playing the ball, but one of the game’s most dangerous attackers in Matt Moylan was in position to accept the pass at first receiver.

Instead, skipper Paul Gallen positioned himself in between the ruck and Moylan, and carted the ball up in his usual workmanlike manner. An offload from the veteran never looked likely.

Round 20

Unsurprisingly, social media was immediately flooded with familiar cries of Gallen being a ball hog, a player who puts his personal stats before what’s best for his team.

Behind by 2 with 30 seconds to go



4th tackle 40m our from your own line



Paul Gallen takes a hit up



Tells you everything you need to know #NRLBroncosSharks — Behindthegreendoor (@behindthegreen9) July 26, 2018

Paul Gallen with a 4th tackle standard hit up with 20 seconds to go while down by 2 and in attacking territory. Classic Gallen #NRLBroncosSharks — BallerSprts Rugby League News, Views & Opinions (@LeagueHeadlines) July 26, 2018

30 sec to go, 4th tackle, Gallen runs a settler...just terrible. #NRLBroncosSharks — Munster Mash (@DefensiveCentre) July 26, 2018

Yep refs fault. Just forget Townsend's miss at goal from in front or his kick that went straight to Oates in-goal Or Gallen running it on the 2nd last tackle for a hit up or the many other errors that cost the Sharks #NRLBroncosSharks — James Cheeseman (@shaggy84329) July 26, 2018

It has long been a criticism of Gallen’s that he takes hit-ups at inopportune times and sometimes more than once in a set, which allows opposition defences to reset their edges and prepare for the next attacking raid.

Phil Gould has been one outspoken critic of the NSW Blues’ longest serving skipper.

After a Sharks loss to the Sea Eagles in 2015, the now Penrith supremo said, “the creativity of the team took a back-seat to players selfishly looking to advance their own personal run count.” Andrew Johns confirmed he was referring to Gallen.

Speaking after Cronulla’s loss to the Broncos on Thursday night, Gallen admitted Townsend wasn’t being allowed to take control at key moments.

“We didn’t execute, Chaddy Townsend is under enormous pressure, we’re not listening to him at times. We should’ve got that done,” he said in the post-match press conference.

Maybe the 36-year-old could listen to his own criticism? Then again he amassed 150 metres from 16 carries.