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The footage of New South Wales captain Paul Gallen wearing a knee brace on Sunday should have sent shivers down the spine of every Blues fan.
Gallen was forced from the field after just two minutes in the match between the Cronulla Sharks and the Newcastle Knights, though reports on the actual severity of the injury were lacking. Though that’s probably to be expected when I wasn’t watching the game with any audio.
The image of Gallen not even being able to rise to his feet and stand up from the sideline bench, despite the Sharks thrilling golden point win over the Knights, would have sent shockwaves through the NSW State of Origin camp.
Whilst his teammates and other Sharks officials jumped for joy after the dramatic victory, Gallen was stuck in his chair merely clapping, unable to join in on the unbridled show of emotion, due to a large, ugly knee brace that was strapped to his leg.
Though he later joined his teammates on the field to celebrate, he moved with all the grace, fluidity and motion of a fire hydrant.
At that moment, the thought of Gallen leading the NSW Blues into battle for the opening game of the 2013 State of Origin series seemed like a very unrealistic dream. The injury looked to be every bit the soul-crushing one that many fans, myself included, believed it to be.
However, yesterday, it was reported that Gallen had ‘only’ suffered a medial ligament strain, without any rupture. Scans revealed that the medial ligament was intact, whereas any tear would have ruled the rugged Blues skipper out for 4-6 weeks.
Therefore, with some intense physiotherapy this week, Gallen may even be fit for Friday’s match against the Wests Tigers. Though considering the way the Tigers are playing, it might even be wise for Gallen to rest for another week; Wests are almost the equivalent of a bye at the moment.
Regardless, provided the Sydney media aren’t playing mind games, the news on Gallen’s injury ensures that the whole of New South Wales can breathe a sigh of relief.
The Blues were already going to start the 2013 series as underdogs. With their skipper and arguably their best player sitting on the sidelines, they would be re-positioned from underdogs to almost no chance at all, such is Gallen’s influence and ability.
Apart from the obvious inspiration and leadership he provides for his teammates, along with his rampaging runs and rock solid defense, there is also the versatility of his game.
Coach Laurie Daley has talked about playing Gallen in the front row, which allows him to select another second-rower in the squad. Even if Gallen doesn’t play prop, he’s likely to play 80 minutes at lock when fully fit, which allows Daley to chose another prop on the bench.
In summary, no matter where he plays, Gallen allows the squad to be flexible. Remove that versatility, and suddenly selection strategy – not to mention actual game tactics – need to be drastically altered.
The mix of leadership, inspiration, talent and flexibility that Gallen brings to the table ensure that he is the most important player for New South Wales, and the whole state is naturally sweating on his fitness.
The injury took on greater importance because Daley is keen to finalise his team, and he stated that he believes prop and five-eighth are the only spots yet to be confirmed, at least in his mind.
Once Daley has definitive feedback on Gallen’s injury, he’ll be able to decide on his front row, but five-eight is proving a little trickier.
Though his drop goals need some work, Todd Carney looked very solid on Sunday, and definitely gave Blues selectors confidence that they could pick him to once again wear the number 6 sky blue jersey.
However, James Maloney had another fantastic game in the Sydney Roosters demolition of the Penrith Panthers. And it’s not his form alone that catapults him into contention, but his superb goal-kicking, along with his partnership with Mitchell Pearce, who is guaranteed to be the Blues halfback. That entire Maloney package must surely be enticing for the NSW hierarchy.
Behind those two, Josh Reynolds starred once again for the Canterbury Bulldogs in their victory over the Wests Tigers. He was heavily involved in three of the Dogs tries, and also managed a stunning four pointer of his own. On talent alone he deserves to be in the mix, but his toughness and ability to get under opponents skins – great Origin traits – can’t be overlooked either.
I get the feeling there will be few surprises when the Blues squad is announced, but South Sydney’s John Sutton could be a smokey if NSW decide they need a little x-factor. Once considered too ‘hot and cold’, Sutton’s form simply can’t be ignored, and his size, strength and skill might provide the Blues with something Queensland need to think about.
Whoever is chosen at five-eighth, two things are certain: NSW need to improve their kicking game if they are to defeat Queensland.
And if Paul Gallen is ruled out, it probably won’t matter anyway.