White unloads on Sharks skipper
Foxsports
MELBOURNE prop Brett White bit his tongue last week but there was no holding him back yesterday as he attacked the credibility and on-field behaviour of Cronulla captain Paul Gallen.
White, whose retributive attack on Cronulla prop Ben Ross was labelled "a dog act" by Gallen only a week ago, broke his silence after the Sharks forward was suspended for attacking the face of Gold Coast forward Anthony Laffranchi. Gallen was also accused of squeezing the testicles of Titans centre Josh Graham, but avoided censure after the match review committee failed to find evidence to uphold the allegation.
"I held back last week but you can only hold back so much when a bloke with his credibility says something like that," said White, who is serving a four-match ban for punching Gallen's teammate Ross. "It's a funny thing. I'm not saying they're right, but 90 per cent of people agree with what I have done or backed me for my action. "I was sprayed by a bloke who came out the next week and did two things I can't imagine anyone would back. He certainly shouldn't be throwing stones."
Cronulla officials revealed the club had received emails and phone calls deploring Gallen's actions in last Saturday night's loss to the Titans. Sharks chief executive Tony Zappia said he would be speaking to Gallen about the Titans game in light of both the judiciary charge and the fact a number of fans had expressed their outrage.
"I haven't seen them myself yet but I understand there have been phone calls and emails along those lines," said Zappia, who spent Tuesday afternoon out of the Cronulla office to attend the funeral of Nathan Hindmarsh's father. "And I'll be talking to him and reminding him of his obligations as captain to his teammates, his coach, club, corporate sponsors and supporters."
Asked what message he had for Sharks fans who might be disappointed in Gallen, Zappia said: "Paul is a captain who wears his heart on his sleeve and is a very determined player on the paddock.
"He goes out with the best intentions for his club and his teammates. Some will see him as pushing the envelope."
Gallen, Zappia, Sharks coach Ricky Stuart and lawyers sat down to review footage of the tackle on Laffranchi. The Sharks then decided not to fight the contrary conduct charge, meaning Gallen will miss this Saturday's match against the Dragons and the following games with Souths and Penrith.
"We didn't proceed because what was seen on the video was obviously not accidental contact," Zappia said.
After hearing of White's spray, Zappia was happy to return fire.
"I can understand Brett White coming out and saying what he has the week after his reputation was somewhat tarnished," Zappia said.
Gallen has vehemently denied the allegations involving Graham, although the Titans centre insists he had his testicles squeezed.
"I have heard he's not a bad bloke off the field but you can't be doing stuff like that on the field," White said. "It's just not acceptable."
The rancour between White and Gallen could make things interesting come State of Origin, with both players potential selections in the New South Wales side. White admitted that prospect played a part in his decision to maintain his silence last week.
"That was one reason I kept my mouth shut," he said. "Hopefully the situation arises and we can let things be for the sake of the team. Sometimes you're better off not saying anything. "But when you see what he did, it's hard. It's laughable. He's being laughed at."
In White's absence last weekend, the Storm suffered its second consecutive defeat, this time at the hands of the Sydney Roosters. He remains disappointed in the circumstances surrounding his suspension; White lashed out at Ross after the Cronulla prop hit Storm halfback Cooper Cronk with a late forearm. Asked whether he would react in the same way next time, White said: "I hope I don't get put in that situation again.
"It's one of those heat-of-the-moment things. I will always stick up for my teammates. I don't know what sort of way next time. I'll just have to wait and see."
