Papenhuyzen injured again as Storm survive Titans comeback sparked by baffling Bunker call
Melbourne have lost star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen to an ankle injury in a nailbiting 22-20 win over the gallant Gold Coast. The rugby league…
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.
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: