Gallen Wants Old Head To Help New Boy
Paul Gallen has revealed he begged retiring captain Trent Barrett to play for one more year - but now wants the Sharks leader to turn his attentions to coaching new recruit Wade Graham.
http://www.sharks.com.au/?s=article-display&id=28398
Gallen Wants Old Head To Help New Boy
29/07/2010 10:01:54 AM
Paul Gallen has revealed he begged retiring captain Trent Barrett to play for one more year - but now wants the Sharks leader to turn his attentions to coaching new recruit Wade Graham.
Gallen said while Barrett's retirement last week was a blow to the club, it was softened with the capture of Penrith playmaker Graham.
And after going down 20-13 to Canberra on Saturday night, Gallen believes the club is making big steps in ensuring a successful future.
“Obviously Trent’s retiring, we need someone to replace him so (Wade is) certainly the player I want at the club. I’ll admit I actually went to the club and spoke to them about trying to get him,” said Gallen.
“He has a good style; he’s big, strong and not scared to take the line on. I’m looking forward to playing with him.”
“I have been begging Trent to have another season; I think he’s got another one left in him at least.
"I think him (Barrett) and Wade Graham in the halves together would be a great combination.
“Now I’d like to see Trent hang around to coach him and guide him and mould him into a good player because we certainly need a good half or five-eighth next year.”
With the club reportedly chasing Brett Kimmorley from the Bulldogs, and Jeremy Smith from St. George, Gallen said the ambition of the Sharks' hierarchy was showing.
“We’ve got the makings of a good team, we’ve got one of the best core groups of players in the competition we have five or six really good first graders," said the 28-year-old.
"We just got to get one or two players like Wade Graham who can set tries up getting him is a good start.
“Nathan Gardner has been a real find for us and someone who can cement his spot at fullback, so next year will be a real test for him with the second year syndrome of people figuring out his game a bit.
“Ben Pomeroy has come back from hand surgery, he had two months off and he’s been back for four games now and got a try in three out of the four games and he’s getting back into his rep form which is a real positive."