I’d take rugby bucks in France, says Gallen

Cronulla skipper Paul Gallen has revealed he has a get-out clause in his NRL contract and would jump at the chance to take up a big-money deal to play rugby union in France later in his career.

“I’ve never played rugby but for that sort of money I’d dance for them if they wanted me to,” Gallen said when asked about the alarming trend of NRL players accepting deals overseas.

In the wake of Sonny Bill Williams’ dramatic attempt to switch codes and Mark Gasnier’s $1 million-a-year move to French rugby, NSW backrower Gallen was blunt about the opportunity presented to players to earn big bucks abroad.

He said he “didn’t blame” Williams for walking out to accept a big deal but admitted he would never break a contract as the Bulldogs star did.

Gallen is contracted with the Sharks until 2011, but revealed he has a clause in his contract that would allow him to negotiate with other clubs as early as the end of next season.

Gasnier activated a get-out clause earlier this month to allow him to leave St George Illawarra at the end of this season to join Stade Francais.

“I wouldn’t break my current contract no, but I do have a clause in a couple of years when I can leave,” Gallen said.

“I think all players have got to be open to all options these days, but I certainly wouldn’t break a contract.”

Asked why he had the clause included in his contract, Gallen said he wanted the chance to move overseas while he was still in his footballing prime.

“I’ll be around 28 (when the clause is active) and hopefully still in some good form,” Gallen said.

“And overseas these days, they’re not wanting the players at the end of the career, they’re wanting some guys still in form, a perfect example is Michael Crocker this year.

“I think I’ll be the same age as him so it’s a good opportunity to make some really good money and play some good football.”

Gallen joked when asked if he was already taking French lessons, but admitted his interest in rugby was genuine despite little knowledge of the sport.

“I actually did French in school, but I don’t remember it much,” Gallen said.

Ask what position he could play he said: “I saw I was compared to (Wallabies flanker) George Smith and I’m not even sure what position he plays. I’d probably be around the ruck somewhere.

“It would be interesting in a couple of years time if an opportunity did come up.”

Meanwhile, Gallen maintained he did not have to alter his aggressive playing style after being placed on report for two successive weeks for dangerous tackles.

Both cases were thrown out by the NRL’s match review committee.

“Not at all, there’s no need I don’t think,” Gallen said of changing his playing style.

“I’m not doing anything wrong as it is, it’s just been a couple of isolated incidents over the past few weeks that have been put on report.

“I’m still playing so I can’t be doing too much wrong.”

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