After being public enemy No.1 in Queensland for the better part of the past 19 NRL seasons, Paul Gallen isn't expecting a standing ovation from the people of Townsville as he re-writes the Cronulla record books.
The Sharks skipper will run out for match No.329 against North Queensland at 1300Smiles Stadium on Saturday night, eclipsing Andrew Ettingshausen for most games played for the club.
Gallen has sharply divided opinions throughout his career, mostly along state lines.
South of the Tweed River, particularly in the Shire, he will be remembered as the workhorse who captained NSW to their drought-breaking 2014 State of Origin series win and took the Sharks to their maiden title.
In Queensland, he's viewed as outspoken and loathsome.
With his famous "two-heads" sledge against the state still fresh in their memory, the ex-NSW skipper isn't expecting to be treated any differently than what he has in the past - booed every time he touches the ball.
"I'm not too fussed, I appreciate where I'm at in my career and the games I'm playing," Gallen said.
"For me it's all about getting the win and I don't think I'll get too much applause."
Gallen was wary of making a fuss about his milestone game - partially because he lost his 100th and 200th first-grade matches - and was mindful of it not becoming a distraction.
"I think it will mean more to me when I retire," Gallen said.
"At this stage all it is is another game, all I want to do is get the win with the team.
"When I look back when I retire and I think about the position I've played, the minutes I've played and how I've played - to play 329 games, more than anyone else for this club, it's a big honour."
Cowboys coach Paul Green admitted Gallen was not the most popular footballer in Queensland but asked Townsville fans to show the workhorse respect in his milestone game.
"For Queenslanders he has been the public enemy but that is part of what makes him a great player - he is a competitor," Green said.
"Our supporters should enjoy the competition but also show him respect for what he has contributed to the game."
STATS THAT MATTER
* Cronulla's 60.9 win percentage against North Queensland (28 wins from 46 games) is its best record against any current team
* Cronulla have made 112 tackles inside their own 20 metre zone in the first two rounds, the most of any team but have conceded just 20 points, the second-fewest
* Since 2014, the Cowboys have won four of six games without Jason Taumalolo
