GALLEN OF FUN
Titans set to help deliver polarising Sharks veteran unwanted milestone
There are 166 reasons for Gold Coast fans and all of Queensland to today cheer on a Titans win against the Sharks. Polarising former NSW skipper Paul Gallen yesterday formally declared his retirement at the end of 2019 but it’s only a matter of time before he obtains the NRL’s least cherished mark of most career losses. A loss today would be record-equalling No.166. PAUL Gallen is on the cusp of owning the NRL’s most unwanted milestone – and the Titans will today get the chance to kick the former Blues firebrand over the line.
The 37-year-old yesterday confirmed his retirement at the end of 2019, fittingly announced on the eve of the Shark matching Andrew Ettingshausen’s landmark of 328 games for the club.
Yet there is extra incentive from Gallen’s opposition too, who could help him reach Scott Prince’s milestone of 166 NRL losses in a career.
While the Titans are still smarting from their Round 1 defeat, Cronulla also lost firstup, 14-8 to Newcastle – a result that moved Gallen within one loss of Prince.
While the mantle is not a welcome one, it can cruelly only fall to a player with the longevity of Gallen.
“I’m going to retire from rugby league this year,” Gallen said yesterday.
“I’ve really enjoyed where I’ve been and what I’ve done but I’m ready to retire. I’ve had enough of the rollercoaster to be honest.”
The Bulletin quizzed Titans forward Kevin Proctor about having the chance to hand Gallen a record-setting defeat. “I didn’t know that to be honest,” Proctor said.
“Both teams are trying to come out with the win – you don’t ever go into a game wanting to lose – hopefully we can spoil the party.”
The Kiwi second-rower is a long-time adversary of Gallen’s, having played against him in the Test arena as well as in the 2016 grand final, and praised the tireless workhorse’s 19-year career.
“I have played against Gal heaps and he’s a fierce competitor,” Proctor said.
“You know what you are going to get with him, he is just going to work hard all game and doesn’t give you any easy tackles. I’m looking forward to it – I’m sure he won’t be going easy.”