Paul Gallen: NRL title win better than Origin

Paul Gallen of the Cronulla Sharks. Photo / Getty

If Paul Gallen can lead Cronulla to their maiden NRL premiership on Sunday he will rate it as a career highlight above NSW's breakthrough State of Origin series in 2014. Just.

Gallen led the Blues to an epic interstate win in 2014, breaking eight successive years of Origin dominance from the Maroons in the process.

But the Sharks skipper said on Tuesday, if he can steer Cronulla to a win over Melbourne that will top it.

"It would probably be even more special," Gallen said.

"Origin is the best arena to play in and after all we went through all those years of defeat that was unreal.

"But a at club level you spend a lot of time with guys and staff more than you do with your only family.

"I think a premiership win would top it , maybe , hopefully I will let you know on Sunday."

Gallen has turned down bigger money deals to remain a one-club man with the Sharks and has been the spiritual leader of the club for the best part of a decade.

"A premiership would mean a hell of a lot," he said.

" I have been here for a long time, I have devoted my career to the club and the club has never won one, only been in two other ones and a replay.

"I can't lie I have thought about the opportunity to go elsewhere and teams have gone on to win the premiership.

"I am only human I do think about things like that, but once I finish my career I will be proud of what I have done at this club.

"It would be the icing on the cake if we go out this weekend and win the premiership."

- AAP