Injured Gallen hoping to mend in time for first Origin game

CRONULLA and NSW captain Paul Gallen should be available for the first State of Origin match on June 5 after being cleared of a serious knee injury.

Gallen limped off after just three minutes in Sunday's match against Newcastle, inspiring his teammates to an unlikely win, but sending a scare through the Blues camp.

Scans yesterday revealed Gallen had suffered a medial ligament strain in his right knee, rather than a tear which would have sidelined him for up to six weeks.

Coach Shane Flanagan said he hoped his inspirational skipper would miss a maximum of three weeks, but added Gallen would not be rushed back.

"If he's not 100% fit we won't be playing him," Flanagan said.

The Sharks play West Tigers on Friday night, and while Gallen has not been ruled out, the club issued a statement saying he was "unlikely to be fit" for the clash.