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Paul Gallen signs for 17th season, Cooper Cronk to join the 300 club
David Lord
Expert
21st September, 2016
17
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If Paul Gallen says it's okay... (AAP Image/Action Photographics, Renee McKay)
David Lord
Expert
21st September, 2016
17

At a time when veteran inspirational leader Paul Gallen’s back was a worry to Cronulla fans, the 35-year-old warhorse has put pen to paper for another year that will chalk up his 17th season in the NRL.

For a player who has been so aggressive in attack and defence throughout his career, how Gallen has lasted 16 seasons is something of a miracle, let alone be willing to saddle up again.

“You can never say never, but next year will probably be my last,” was how Gallen summed up the signing.

Gallen’s on 277 games and should join the 300 club by the end of next season.

But he won’t hold the Sharks appearance or longevity record, held by former crack centre Andrew Ettingshausen with 328 games over 18 seasons.

That may force Gallen into thinking about 2018, if his body holds good.

In the meantime there’s a preliminary final to be won over the reigning premiers the Cowboys at Allianz Stadium tomorrow night.

In the other prelim final on Saturday night, Storm halfback Cooper Cronk will join the exclusive 300 club as its 11th one-club member, and 25th overall.

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Cronk will be 33 in December, but he’s super fit in his 13th season, and likely to to be around for at least another two.

But he’s not likely to catch his captain Cameron Smith who is the Storm’s benchmark at 33 with 333 games over 15 seasons.

The longest serving one-club 300 Club members:

  • 18 seasons – Andrew Ettingshausen (Sharks 1983-2000) with 328 games.
  • 17 seasons – Darren Lockyer (Broncos 1995-2011) with the record 355 games.
  • 17 seasons – Nathan Hindmarsh (Parramatta 1996-2012) – 330.
  • 16 seasons – Corey Parker (Broncos 2001-2016) – 347.
  • 16 seasons – Jason Croker (Raiders 1991-2006) – 318.
  • 15 seasons – Cameron Smith (Storm 2002-current) – 333.
  • 15 seasons – Anthony Minichiello (Roosters 2000-2014) – 302.
  • 15 seasons – Luke Ricketson (Roosters 1991-2005) – 301.
  • 14 seasons – Hazem El Masri (Bulldogs 1996-2009) – 317.
  • 14 seasons – Cliff Lyons (Manly 1986-1999) – 309.
  • 13 seasons – Cooper Cronk (Storm 2004-current) – 299.
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David Lord
Expert
David Lord was deeply involved in two of the biggest sporting stories - World Series Cricket in 1977 and professional rugby in 1983. After managing Jeff Thomson and Viv Richards during WSC, in 1983 David signed 208 of the best rugby players from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and France to play an international pro circuit. The concept didn't get off the ground, but it did force the IRB to get cracking and bring in the World Rugby Cup, now one of the world's great sporting spectacles

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