Gallen out, Minichiello in

Cronulla back rower Paul Gallen has been ruled out of the NSW City side to play NSW Country on Thursday, replaced by Gold Coast's Mark Minichiello.

Gallen suffered ankle injuries in the Sharks' 20-16 NRL loss to Newcastle last night and won't play in the representative clash at Coffs Harbour. It is a huge blow to Gallen after he missed the start of the season, also with an ankle injury, and was steadily re-staking his claim to keep his NSW State of Origin jersey.

Minichiello, 25, will make his representative debut in the clash and it will also be the first time he has played alongside his older brother, fullback Anthony, since Mark left the Sydney Roosters at the end of 2002.