The bus to Mudgee for the final City-Country clash.

Gallen announced he will come out of representative retirement and captain the City Origin team in the final installment of the Country versus City match in Mudgee next week, 11 years after making his first and only appearance in the traditional fixture.

Gallen also helped unveil a special commemorative City Origin jersey, which features the names of the 1109 players to have represented City. 

The former VB NSW Blues captain has recognised his 2006 City selection as an important platform to his illustrious representative career.

“I feel honoured to be captaining the City side in the last ever Country-City match,” Gallen said.

“This fixture allows players on the cusp of an Origin call-up the chance to perform on the big stage and push their claim for a spot in Laurie Daley’s NSW side.

“Having lost my only game for City, I’d love to lead the side to victory. There will be a number of potential Origin candidates whom I hope to pass on my experience and knowledge to.” 

Gallen helped launch the ‘Knock-On effect’ campaign alongside VB Country representative Damien Cook as part of a new community partnership between the NRL, NSWRL and CRL with Transport for NSW.

The 35-year-old is in his 17th season in the NRL, having played 24 games for NSW and 32 Tests for Australia.