Former New South Wales Blues State of Origin skipper Paul Gallen has made a startling admission, revealing that the National Rugby League (NRL) paid him to sledge Queensland's star players in order to hype up a series. This confession comes less than a year after the enforcer was fined $30,000 for an offensive tweet aimed at the governing body, adding a layer of intrigue to the long-standing rumours.
Controversial Origins and a Hefty Fine
Gallen, now 44 years old, disclosed these details during an interview on The Bye Round podcast with former hard-nosed Bulldogs prop James Graham. For years, speculation has circulated that Gallen was approached by the NRL to play the villain role, specifically to boost ticket sales ahead of an Origin match held in Melbourne back in 2015. This followed a significant financial penalty where Gallen was initially fined $50,000, later reduced to $30,000 on appeal, after he labelled NRL officials with an offensive term on social media platform X while holidaying in Hawaii in October 2014.
The Deal with Former NRL CEO Dave Smith
In the podcast, Gallen recalled a direct conversation with former NRL CEO Dave Smith ahead of the Melbourne game. "He said to me 'we need to sell it out'," Gallen remembered. "I told him I don't make things up, I just say things. At the time, Billy Slater had a shoulder injury, which was season-ending, and he shouldn't have played in Melbourne. I thought it was disrespectful." Gallen also revealed that Smith promised him a payment of $50,000 if the crowd exceeded 90,000 at the MCG. When the attendance was announced as nearly 92,000 fans, Gallen was understandably elated.
Payment and Fine Resolution
However, the premiership-winner with the Cronulla Sharks later admitted that he did not receive the promised $50,000 from Smith on behalf of the NRL. Instead, in a twist of fate, his $30,000 fine was completely wiped, effectively serving as compensation for his role in the promotional stunt. This arrangement highlights the unconventional methods sometimes employed in sports marketing to generate excitement and revenue.
Gallen's Role as the Origin Villain
Gallen was no stranger to playing the antagonist in State of Origin clashes. He had previously stirred controversy by stating that Queensland's players and fans had "two heads," and he famously engaged in a physical altercation with Nate Myles during the intense 2013 series. His willingness to embrace this villainous persona made him a prime candidate for the NRL's ticket-selling strategy, leveraging his reputation to fuel rivalries and attract spectators.
Post-Rugby Career and Personal Struggles
After retiring from professional rugby league in 2019, Gallen shifted his focus to boxing, where he became a successful prize-fighter. He finished his boxing career with an impressive record of 15 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw, including eight victories by knockout. Notable wins came against opponents such as Mark Hunt, Lucas Browne, and cross-code superstar Sonny Bill Williams, cementing his status in the combat sports arena.
In a candid revelation last year, Gallen admitted to facing personal challenges related to alcohol consumption after his retirement. "I had four fights in 2022, so 2023 was a bit of a loose year," he shared on the Off The Record podcast with journalists Andrew Webster and Phil Rothfield. "Come 2023, I was drinking too much, it wasn't me. I now understand why some rugby league players struggle when they retire... I had too much free time." The final straw for Gallen was realizing he was becoming accustomed to functioning after excessive drinking, particularly while working at Channel Nine, which he described as "scary." He sought help by speaking to a professional from Dubai and has since significantly reduced his alcohol intake, though he acknowledges he may drink again in the future.
