Kangaroos leader ready to tackle grueling schedule. 
Key Australian forward Paul Gallen said he is ready to tackle the upcoming Rugby League World Cup despite just finishing one of the most grueling seasons of his career.
The Cronulla Sharks leader has been through a roller-coaster of emotions in 2013 having been one of the figure heads of the club that has been the target of the ASADA investigation in the NRL.
Among the physical difficulties of playing in the best competition in the world, Gallen has admitted in the past the strain has caught up with him.
However, the chance to get away and play in the green and gold again is one that he says he will cherish as he knows it will be his last World Cup.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” Gallen said.
“Physically I’m good. I have had the last two weeks off, I’ve got no excuses.’
“I wasn’t the worst but I was up there.
“I don’t mind doing the extra work and I needed a blow out.’’
Gallen, who is vice-captain of the Kangaroos behind Melbourne Storm star Cameron Smith, revealed he has never captained a representative side at any level and would love to get the chance in the UK.
“I’m realistic. I know there won’t be another World Cup for me,’’ Gallen said.
“I’m not sure if there is a tour next year but I have a couple of years to go and that’s it.
“So this will be my last tour by the sounds of it.
“I’m really looking forward to it.
“I remember talking to my dad in the last World Cup (when the Aussies got nailed in the final by the Kiwis) and he said `you will win the next one’.
“And I said: `As if I’m going to be there for the next one’.
“Time goes so fast and I’m here now and I’m really looking forward to it.
“I want to do my best and hopefully bring the Cup back home.’’
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