Gallen stays a Shark

Just two months after saying he wanted out of the club, Paul Gallen has signed a new deal tying him to Cronulla for the remainder of his career.

The representative back-rower will stay a Shark until the end of the 2013 season after extending his current contract in a massive boost to the Sharks' immediate and long-term future.

Gallen was reportedly seeking a release earlier this year after being fined for an off-field incident.

He was also stripped of the captaincy last season in a further setback to his career.

But all of that is in the past, with the 29-year-old signing off on an upgraded deal which will make him one of the game's highest paid players.

"I'm aware that Paul was being pursued by three other clubs and it's extremely pleasing that he has placed the Sharks above the chase of the dollar," Cronulla CEO Richard Fisk said.

"This is a positive sign for every junior in the Sutherland Shire that the Sharks have a strong future, and loyalty has its very own special rewards."

Sharks Chairman Damian Irvine was equally delighted at Gallen's show of loyalty.

"The Sharks are entering a new watershed period and the contract extension is a clear reflection on the changing direction of the club," Irvine said.

“We have a group of talented youngsters here and a player like Paul is an ideal leader to help them develop into future stars."

Gallen debuted for the Sharks in 2001 and is about to play his tenth season for the club.

He will now become one of the very few players in rugby league to have played out their career over more than a decade with the one club.

Cronulla kicks off its premiership campaign against premiers Melbourne at Toyota Stadium on Saturday night.