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.
Tru Blu
Guest
Gus Gould had a similar criticism of Gallen that his strength (work rate and passion) was also his weakness at times when he tended to overplay his hand. SOO3 with a few tackles left and one point behind Gallen takes another hit up when they needed to throw caution to the wind. Then again it's not like you've got a Cronk in Pearce who can demand the ball to put on a play. In saying that a Blues team without Gallen is a weaker team IMO.
Tru Blu
Guest
For all the good Ricky did there were also some WTF moments like the ones you've pointed out.
Renegade
Guest
Scott, WOW, you've written some doozies....this one is right up there.
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
Those are fair enough points, and I agree that cross-generational relevance is probably the ultimate sign that you were an Immortal. Perhaps because it is the highest accolade in the game, it's a way of signifying how great you think current players are when you nominate them as Immortals. That doesn't make it right, nor does it make them locks to be Immortals, it's just a way of illustrating how good you think they are. But I take the point that an Immortal should be judged well after their playing career has finished.
mushi
Roar Guru
One I don’t think we can know right here right now if any current player deserves it. The whole concept of immortality is that you live on. As opposed to the whole MVP style discussion on the NBA this is entirely about lasting relevance. Thus far on this site I think enough people have been anointed future immortals to make a new rep team. But more seriously when you look at who is in there: it sin’t the McCarthys, the Cootes, the Rogers, the Langers, the Provan’s the Barnes and the Irvine’s. Those are great players that if they played today we’d be planning their acceptance speech. You’ve got langlands straddling the two eras which each have two Artie/bozo and Gas/Raper. Then Lewis, Johns and Churchill are the sole representatives of their era. Are all four of those guys mentioned before going to stand the test of time? I doubt it. And once you let in guys that haven’t then future generations just obliterate it right as they will look at the list and go yeah he was apparently good but it’s not as if he’s got a medal named after him so why can’t winger X get in. We actually have something here that many other sports would love, something a step above the hall of fame (yes I know it is done by magazine and some people don’t like it), but once you start anointing players before they’ve stood the test of time then hurdle in the future gets so low that you end up with another crap hall of fame like every other sport and urinate on the originals. I’m a huge Lewis fan, but I think he went in too early (though to be fair his relevance to the game via Origin was probably never in doubt) same with Joey, I think they should have waited another round to see if people that never saw him play care who Joey was, if they want him in then he is immortal.
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
If you're suggesting Paul Gallen puts his stats ahead of the team, I would have to respectfully disagree with you in the strongest way possible.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Ryan Did you notice how well the Sharks went on the weekend when Gal went off injured? let me say up front I am a fan of Gallen and his work rate but sometimes it is NOT in the interests of his team. Gal, like Nath Hindmarsh, like Mini, like Dallas Johnson and even Kurt Gidley are polarizing figures within their playing groups and when they demand the ball they get it. The only problem is that there is often an overlap on out wide and these "greedy" players just get the ball and run to ensure they have good stats at the expense of the team. At least Gal can be dangerous near the try line unlike the others. I have no doubt that Luke is a better lock forward than Gallen and would prefer Gal playing as a prop, sadly the Sharks coach has been wasting his talent playing him out wide. Gal in or out will not change the origin result and when I do my ratings the price will not change regardless. Thats is not to say that he is not a wonderful player, but he is replaceable, Farah is not.
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
You're right. NSW are better off without him. Get rid of Farah too, he threw a bad pass at some stage last series. I think Hayne missed a tackle too, he's got to go as well. C'mon, are you seriously suggesting NSW could do without Gallen because he gives away the odd penalty?
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
Take my pants off. And hope it doesn't get to 12.
Chris
Guest
Yes, how could we possibly do without Gallen giving away countless penalties at crucial times.
Silver_Sovereign
Guest
The blues fans are running out of fingers to count the number of QLD series wins in a row. What are you going to do when its 11 in a row?
Carlos
Guest
I like what sticky did generally but there where some what seemed like obvious blunders those you've mentioned and I would add for Game 3 Starting with Beau Scott rather than Luke Lewis Then leaving Lewis on the bench till well into the second half with Scott struggling in both defence and attack the whole time.
Carlos
Guest
I dont know about immortal status for the storm guys the stench of cap rorting taints their records in my view. Id say Lockyer is the only current (ish) player who is likely to reach immortal status. They cant be giving this out like lolly pops.
Carlos
Guest
Hes a great leader and an excellent player but Ive thought the same thing myself
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Haha.. That should be bunch of Negatrons... My bad.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
You NSW blokes are a punch Negatrons! Sticky has certainly layed a fantastic platform......Yeah given Lozza Daley probably not the most inspiring coach selection...... But it's only a matter of time when all the luck goes NSW way rather than QLD. I hope it's not this year, but it could very well be. QUEENSLANDER!
Gareth
Roar Pro
Technically correct, as we have next to no chance regardless of who does or doesn't play.
Renegade
Guest
Yep, makes sense.
dayer
Guest
ha ha ha ... the fear "gallan" puts on the QLDERS, heheheh thats why the Qlders have won 7 in a row... If he does not play then the fear for Qlders will be gone and then the NSW boys will win the series. hahahaha good luck to both teams. with or without fear for Qld.
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
Considering he's the Blues best and most influential player, if they haven't won with him, it stands to reason they would be next to no chance without him.