Joe Galuvao thanks fans during his lap of honor during the game between Manly and Penrith earlier this season. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: Gregg Porteous / DailyTelegraph
EXCLUSIVE: Joe Galuvao thought he'd achieved the ultimate grand final fairytale a decade ago, battling his way from the mean streets of Auckland to win a premiership with Penrith in 2003.
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But this Sunday could be something else entirely.
The Daily Telegraph has learned Galuvao - ruled out for the season in April with a ruptured Achilles tendon - has this week resumed intensive training with the Sea Eagles in an extraordinary bid to bow out on the biggest stage.
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Having already announced his retirement, the 35-year-old was not named on Manly's six-man bench on Tuesday and still must overcome huge odds to force his way into the team.
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But insiders at Brookvale confirmed that Galuvao trained with the team Tuesday, and also completed intensive fitness work on Sunday.
Since being placed in a moon boot after collapsing in Manly's clash against Cronulla in round six, Galuvao has been condemned to rehab work and studying for a personal trainers' certification.
He was present for Monday's team photo.
Should he complete the unlikeliest of revivals, Galuvao's story would be the greatest grand final miracle since Andrew Johns played the 1997 decider just eight days after suffering a punctured lung.
The door has opened for his return thanks to another serious injury - Richie Fa'aoso's broken neck.
Either David Gower or James Hasson were favoured to replace Fa'aoso. Gower on Tuesday gained the early edge after claiming Fa'aso's No. 14 jersey, but coach Geoff Toovey won't settle his team until later in the week.
Toovey did not return calls or texts about Galuvao on Tuesday night.
With Manly already without senior prop and co-captain Jason King, the Sea Eagles will miss Fa'aoso's punch off the bench and also his experience.
Fa'aoso was a member of Melbourne's premiership-winning side last year, while Hasson and Gower have made just 25 appearances between them this year.
Hasson is a highly rated rookie with another year to run on his contract at Manly, while Gower is set to be cut by the club after Sunday night's decider.
Galuvao's grand final pedigree is strong, playing in three deciders since making his debut for the Warriors in the NRL's inaugural season, 1998.
After winning the premiership with Penrith in 2003, the 240-game veteran received a runners-up medal with Parramatta in 2009 and then played a key role in Manly's 2011 triumph.
Just last month, Galuvao farewelled the Sea Eagles faithful at the team's final appearance at Brookvale Oval for the year.
"Thank you club, I appreciate all you have done for me,'' he told the fans.
"To all the supporters, fans, sponsors, owners, players and everyone associated with the club, I love all you guys and wish you all the best for the future."
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