Gallen the new NRL benchmark: Webb - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Gallen the new NRL benchmark: Webb

Sam McKeith 17/06/2011 03:35:01 PM Comments (0)

Former Queensland enforcer Carl Webb believes NSW skipper Paul Gallen's heroic effort in State of Origin game two has set a new benchmark for NRL front rowers.

Gallen shifted from the back row to prop and was instrumental in the Blues' 18-8 win on Wednesday as he played all 80 minutes and produced stunning figures of 211 metres gained from 27 runs, 31 tackles, three off-loads and three tackle busts.

Webb, who will come off the bench for Parramatta in their NRL clash with Manly on Monday, said Gallen's performance was ground-breaking and would have an impact on the NRL.

"I think he has made it fairly hard for all us front rowers. His stats were unbelievable," Webb said on Friday.

"He's put in a huge effort to play 80 minutes in the front row in the middle of the field in a game that was as quick as it was.

"How he went was phenomenal and he's definitely set the benchmark for all front rowers."

Webb said Gallen's effort highlighted a trend in Origin toward smaller packs that could keep up with the frenetic pace of rep footy.

"The teams even before game one were very mobile teams, smaller teams," said Webb.

"It's a quicker game definitely, not that many stoppages," he said.

"But I guess that's the way it's going, it was a very quick game. They (NSW) had a lot more mobility. It definitely came up trumps."

Asked whether it was unrealistic for all front rowers to play 80 minutes, Webb was blunt.

"I think so," he said.

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