Gallen ruled out for six weeks

The Sharks are set to be without captain Paul Gallen after scans have revealed a grade two sydensmosis ligament injury to his right ankle.

Gallen was assisted from the field in the 30^th minute of the match against the Titans after suffering an injury when being bent back in a tackle and took no further part in the game.

Sharks medical officer and sports science specialist Dr George Pitsis explained the scan results and the predicted time of recovery.

“Paul had an MRI and a stress test by ultrasound today on his right ankle, with the ultrasound showing no gapping, which is good news,” Pitsis said. “It is a grade two Syndesmosis ligament injury, with partial tearing of the ligament.

“The plan of attack as far as treating the injury will be a boot and non-weight bearing crutches for the next week and then I’ll review it. We are thinking at this stage that it will be about a six week injury.”

The injury is a blow to the Sharks considering the talent they currently have sitting on the sideline, with Luke Lewis, Anthony Tupou and Jeff Robson not due back until at least round five.

The good news for the Sharks is that five eighth Todd Carney will be named today in the team to take on the Bulldogs next Monday night with medical staff confident he will have overcome his hamstring strain and will be 100 per cent by kickoff.