Gallen wants Lewis, at any price

Paul Gallen will happily relinquish his title as Cronulla's highest-paid player if it means getting Luke Lewis to the Sharks next year.

The Cronulla skipper is more interested in premierships than dollar signs and knows his NSW team-mate could help deliver the club its maiden title.

Lewis is tossing up between the Sharks and Wests Tigers after Penrith granted him a release from the final two years of his contract.

"It's about winning. If other people earn more money than me then that's fine," Gallen said on Thursday.

"If (getting Lewis to the club) means he earns more money than me then I don't care.

"Toddy (Carney's) probably earning more money than me.

"My contract's been done for almost 12 months now and I won't be changing it or extending it or leaving early.

"I'm more than happy with my contract and where's it's at."

Lewis and his wife went on a real estate tour of the Sutherland Shire on Wednesday, boosting Cronulla fans' hopes that he was headed to the Sharks.

But the Tigers remain firmly in the hunt, with Lewis expected to announce his decision within the next few days.

Gallen has not been part of the negotiation process but is being kept abreast of developments.

"They're (Cronulla officials) definitely doing everything they can and it's just up to Lewy now," he said.

"He'll make the right decision for him and his family.

"You pick up a guy like Luke Lewis and all of a sudden other guys want to come here as well.

"It'd be nice to get him."

Meanwhile, Gallen will miss Sunday's match against Canberra and is no certainty to return against Penrith the following week.

The Sharks captain is still troubled by a knee injury and is frustrated he has been unable to play since Origin III.

He said: "It's getting to the stage where I really want to play. I am sick of not playing.

"I've played 15 games this year and only 10 of them have been for the club.

"I am doing everything I can to get back out there."

Gallen acknowledges the Sharks, currently placed fifth, must start winning again if they are to break back into the top four.

"To finish top four we've really got to win our next two games," he said.

"It would mean a lot to the club (to make the top four) but it means more for your chance of getting in the grand final.

"You get a second chance so finishing top four is definitely our goal.

"If we don't finish top four we want to finish five or six and get a home semi."