Gallen in real doubt to suit up for Sharks

PAUL Gallen remains in serious doubt to run out for Cronulla in Friday night’s preliminary final against Melbourne, but teammates Luke Lewis and Josh Dugan appear set to play.

Gallen’s injured shoulder showed some signs of improvement yesterday, however there was still tenderness in the area and he is racing the clock to play in the match.

He was named by the Sharks yesterday afternoon, alongside the retiring Lewis who suffered a calf injury last week against Penrith.

Lewis was certain on Tuesday he would play in the AAMI Park match, which will be the last in his 18- season NRL career if Cronulla don’t win through. “It’s coming along really well,” Lewis said of his calf.

“I had a really good run today and came off the park pain- free and feeling fresh ... it should be fine Friday night.

“I thought about ( it being potentially my last game) last week, turning up to training and driving to training, thinking wow, this could be my last week in rugby league forever. I asked the boys last week to give me everything they’ve got and give me one more week.”

Dugan was also named by Cronulla on an extended bench, and could either come on to the wing or into the centres for the clash.

But it’s the fitness of Gallen – who is battling a torn ligament in his shoulder – that is of the most concern to Cronulla.

He didn’t speak at the Sharks’ media day yesterday.

Gallen had cortisone injections and will give himself until Thursday to make a call about his availability.

It’s believed he could also take a pain- killing injection for the match.