CAPTAIN courageous and veteran forward, Paul Gallen, will be named skipper of NSW today to lead the Blues against the Maroons on May 28 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.
The ironman of the NRL, Gallen will be the first man picked to play his 17th game for the Blues.
Gallen wants to be the man to lead the Blues and arrest the domination that Queensland have had over the Blues for the past eight years.
Luke Lewis, back just two games, after shoulder surgery, is expected to be named on the interchange bench.
NSW Premier Mike Baird will read out the names at the official team announcement.
Gallen was dynamic for the Sharks in their unlucky 22-20 loss to Wests Tigers at Remondis Stadium on Saturday night.
The Sharks hit the front to lead by 10 points in the second half but the Tigers hit back, scoring two tries to hold on.
Sharks coach Peter Sharp described the loss as heartbreaking and blamed it on defensive errors.
"It's pretty tough to take, leading by 10 with not too long to go. But, again, the same old story — they're trying their socks off, trying really hard but things are not happening," Sharp said.
Sharks second rower Wade Graham told referees during the match that he may have been bitten on the face by Tigers' David Nofoaluma.
But he made no official complaint and the match review committee is investigating; TV replays were inconclusive.
Todd Carney made a surprise return from a hamstring injury in a boost for the club.
In other news, winger Beau Ryan is likely to miss Monday's home game against Souths.
Back just three games since off-season neck surgery, Ryan, was injured again in the Tigers game.
Sharks media manager Rob Willis said the winger had scans yesterday on his neck and there were some reports that Ryan had sustained serious damage.
Willis said the X-rays showed no more damage to the vertebra.
"He is doubtful to play Monday night," Willis said.
Wests Tigers 22 d Cronulla 20 (Paul Gallen, Sam Tagataese, Michael Gordon tries; Gordon 4 goals); crowd: 15,869.
What did you think of the game?
GALLEN IN ORIGIN
Sharks captain Paul Gallen will be playing for NSW in State of Origin I at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday, May 28. It will be his 17th Origin game for the Blues.
NSW CUP
The Sharks tackle Wyong Roos at 3pm on Sunday at Morrie Breen Oval, Wyong.
TRIVIA
Cronulla fans can put their thinking caps on for this week’s trivia question: who was the captain-coach of Cronulla when they made their first grand final against Manly in 1973? Answer next week.
MORRIS MILESTONE
John Morris plays his 300th NRL game next Monday against Souths at Remondis Stadium. The Scone-born hooker, has had playing stints with Newcastle, Parramatta, Wests Tigers and the Sharks in a career spanning from 2001 until this season. Morris, 33, has played 104 games for the Sharks. He joined them in 2010.
HOLDEN CUP
The Sharks under-20s team play Souths at 4.45pm on Monday, May 26, at Remondis Stadium.
