'Hung up and laughed': Paul Gallen accepts role on Cronulla Sharks board after initial hesitation

Paul Gallen will take up a spot on the Sharks board, despite some initial hesitation.

The premiership-winning captain, who etched his name into the club's history books in 2016, confirmed to The Sydney Morning Herald that he would be accepting a position for next season after a phone call with chairman Steven Mace.

Gallen was linked with a similar role four years ago, but it didn't eventuate.

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This time though, the 44-year-old decided it was time to give back to the club.

"It's something I never thought I'd be involved in," Gallen told the Herald.

"I hung up and laughed at Steven Mace when it first came up.

"He called a few days later after I'd thought about it. I thought it's a good opportunity for my personal development and to get out of my comfort zone.

"I'm always about giving things a go. I get to do that and try to help the club I've been at now for more than 25 years."

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One of the most beloved figures in Cronulla history, the tough forward remains the only player to lead the side to a premiership in their near six-decade existence.

Gallen played a record 348 games for the Shire-based outfit during a glittering career that also included 24 appearances for NSW and another 32 for Australia.

He has remained in close association with the Sharks since retirement, while also juggling his media commitments with Nine and a highly successful boxing run.

Cronulla look set for another top-eight finish this season, with games against the Knights and Bulldogs to determine where they finish on the ladder.