NRL: Gallen hopes Fifita will stay with Sharks

Paul Gallen said he hoped a "confused" Andrew Fifita would sign a new contract with the Sharks. Photo / Getty Images

Paul Gallen hopes Andrew Fifita will stay with Cronulla but the Sharks skipper says he isn't going to pressure the representative star to do so.

Fifita's multi-million-dollar four-year NRL contract with Canterbury was sensationally terminated on Monday after the two parties said they could not agree to terms.

The NSW and Kangaroos prop is said to be mulling over a return to rugby but Gallen said he hoped a "confused" Fifita would sign a new contract with the Sharks.

"He might be struggling with it at the moment but it is just something we have to help him get through," Gallen said yesterday.

"He would be concerned about his future, but there is no doubt he is going to get a contract.

"I would like to see him stay, I was disappointed that he left, everyone was, but we understand it is a business, you have to do your best to look after yourself and your family while you can. I will certainly help him whatever anyway I can but I certainly won't be telling him what to do or where to sign. That is a decision for him and his management and whatever deal is best for him.

"I'm sure the Sharks will talk to him, fingers crossed he stays here."

In an interview last week Fifita said he wished he had returned to rugby instead of signing his Bulldogs contract that was to begin next season.

"If I could go back now, I wish I chose rugby and then I wouldn't be getting all the s*** I've been catching now," he said.

Fifita was referring to criticism from Sharks fans. Gallen said that was something the barnstorming prop would have to accept.

"That's the way it is," Gallen said. "That is something Andrew has to learn to deal with, especially the player that he is now."

- AAP