Gallen: This year's Origin series will be my last

Omnisports

March 30, 2016 12:38 AM

A veteran of 21 State of Origin matches, New South Wales Blues captain Paul Gallen will call it quits after this year's series.

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Gallen, 34, revealed his decision as the Blues look ahead to three blockbuster showdowns against defending champions the Queensland Maroons, starting on June 1.

The Cronulla Sharks skipper, who will return from a knee injury against Wests Tigers this week, is unsure if he will continue in the NRL beyond this season, but he looks set to focus solely on the club should he decide to play on.

"This will be my last Origin series — I haven't said that before," Gallen said.

"This will be my last series as a player so it means a lot to me. There's no doubt about that.

"This is my last year on contract [at Cronulla] and I haven't decided whether I will play next year or not. If I am lucky enough to go around again next year it will just be for Cronulla.

"I'm getting on a bit and I have to understand that. I still feel that as long as I am playing good enough, I am the best person for the position.

"Hopefully there will be a younger bloke come up to knock on my door and get rid of me. I don't want to not play because I'm not good enough - I don't want to play because there is someone better than me in my position.

"I don't think anyone is jumping out of the box just yet but they have to start. Two games in NSW and an opportunity to rectify what happened last year [a 2-1 series loss] and finish on a high. I have had some great times. I just want one more great time and hopefully finish with a win."

Omnisports

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