New South Wales and Cronulla captain Paul Gallen is out for the next six games and potentially the start of May's State of Origin opener after sustaining a serious ankle injury.
Gallen had scans Tuesday to officially diagnose what appeared to be a high ankle sprain. The scans found a grade two sydensmosis ligament injury to his right ankle.
Gallen injured his ankle during Monday's 18-12 loss to the Gold Coast Titans. The 32 year old was held in a tackle by Titans duo Luke Bailey and Matt White and was helped from the field at the end of the first half after indicating he was in pain.
It was supposed to be a milestone night for the back-rower, who played his 223rd NRL match for the team, moving just ahead of David Peachy as the second most-capped Sharks players in the club's history.
He was presented with his shirt pre-game by Sharks great Andrew Ettingshausen, who holds the team record of 328 appearances.
In 2009 Sydney Roosters full-back Anthony Minichiello sustained a similar injury in round-two against Canberra and did not return until round 20, after he had surgery. NSW center Michael Jennings missed just eight games, including two Origin games when playing for Penrith in 2011.
Gallen hopes to have a similar recovery as Ben Barba, who returned after just five weeks last season, when he played in Canterbury's final game against Newcastle.
His 2013 season was plagued with foot injuries, playing just 16 NRL games and missing the State of the Origin deciding game in July after failing to recovery properly. He joins teammates Todd Carney, Chris Heighington and Beau Ryan on the bench.
The question the Sharks will face in the coming future is whether they should trade Gallen or not. He has a high risk of injury and his scoring levels have been down. The next six weeks will prove crucial for Gallen as he recovers.
References: ABC News and Sydney Morning Herald
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