NSW great Paul Gallen could make his representative return as City captain against Country for the historic fixture’s final edition in Mudgee next week.
The former Blues captain has been approached by City coach Brad Fittler to come out of representative retirement for the annual clash on May 7, according to News Corp Australia.
While NSW Rugby League wouldn’t confirm his availability, a press conference involving several rugby league big wigs to announce the City captain will be held in Sydney on Thursday.
The 35-year-old Gallen’s return will provide a boost to the fixture after Canterbury’s decision to withhold its players from selection, citing concern for player welfare with a short turn around for their subsequent NRL match.
It will be the final City-Country match after the NRL decided it could no longer fit it into the schedule beyond 2017.
Full teams for the game will be named on Monday.
Alex Green
Roar Guru
It's essentially an exhibition match, can't see why anyone would have a problem with this. Pretty sure the people of Mudgee would be happy for the biggest names possible to be running out.
Steve
Guest
Whilst it's a nothing match that nobody cares about it and holds little value to anyone, the only value it holds is bringing a reasonable standard of game to a country location. If Gallen there adds some more theatre and brings in more interest, then that's a positive. Our whole rep season needs an overhaul. City v Country and a QLD equivalent of this should be played on ANZAC day. These games should be for fringe rep players to try and earn a state of origin jersey. We don't want Thurston, Smith etc playing and risking injuries, however blokes like B Hunt, Moylan, Peats, etc, pushing for a NSW jersey should be giving an opportunity. Then play the test matches at the end of the season. The mid year test match (called the ANZAC test match) is rubbish.
Stu
Guest
This is absolutely ridiculous. Is Freddy that desperate to win a match that nobody cares about except him - trying to save his woeful coaching reputation? City Country is no longer relevant, somebody kill it please, and put us out of our misery.
Big Daddy
Guest
What is Freddy thinking Since this is the last match an not to be used as a selection match let's use it as a showcase for younger player's. Pick the teams based on under 25 years of age. At least we won't see same tired old faces. Picking fallen is a backward step.