I’m a Maroon-blooded Queensland supporter. That being said, I’ve spent time on both sides of the Paul Gallen fence, including time on the fence itself.
I blindly hated Gal upon his entry to State of Origin, but only because he was a Cockroach, and he was good.
His unsportsmanlike tactics on the field only served to strengthen – and add credence to – my disdain.
I found myself warm to Gal after he declined Manly’s contract offer – one clubsmen hold great appeal to me. However, as his stature in the game has risen (resulting in Bob Fulton spectacularly labelling him the next Immortal), I’ve again found myself hating Gallen.
MORE:
» Can we stop feeling sorry for Paul Gallen?
» Paul Gallen’s punishment was over the top
» Reports NRL gave Gallen $80,000 for legal fees
Having to continually argue with friends and colleagues about the importance of upholding behavioural, cultural, social and many other standards while living life in the public eye, the choices made by our sports stars – especially those in highly influential positions – constantly baffle me.
I’m not alone in having lost patience with Gal – Paul Kent recently wrote a piece arguing Gal should be stripped of the Sharks captaincy.
While Gal has always polarised experts and punters alike, his attitude is starting to catch up with him, causing fair-weather supporters to turn their backs for good.
Before Roarers jump up and down about me disrespecting/ignoring his recent mental health admission, just picture referring to your boss – nay – the board of the company for which you work as c—s. I doubt there are many fields of work in which you wouldn’t get immediately sacked for doing so.
Anyway, lest turning this column into an argument about mental health, I am advising the NRL that they need to suspend Paul Gallen indefinitely and relinquish his current (and future, if the chance arises) Sharks and Blues captaincy while he undergoes some sort of leadership training, orseeks help (including time away from the game) for whatever personal troubles he is facing.
Removing a man at the forefront of a code that is continually battling a negative public image is the first step in moving forward.
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