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Footy great Paul Gallen has candidly revealed the 'scary' danger sign that saw the NRL premiership winner seek professional help to overcome his battle with alcohol.
Gallen, 43, is the first to admit he finds it difficult to relax - and in 2023, he was heading down a dangerous path.
Speaking ahead of his highly anticipated bout against cross-code superstar Sonny Bill Williams on July 16 in Sydney, Gallen admitted he started seeing a psychologist.
'I had four fights in 2022, so 2023 was a bit of a loose year,' the Cronulla Sharks legend said on the Off The Record podcast with journalists Andrew Webster and Phil Rothfield.
'(Come 2023) I was drinking too much, it wasn't me.
'I (now) understand why some rugby league players struggle when they retire... I had too much free time.'
Footy great Paul Gallen (pictured with wife Anne) has revealed the development that scared him into getting help for his drinking problem
Gallen admitted he started seeing a psychologist because he was acting recklessly
The former Cronulla Sharks star says he hardly drinks now - which is just as well considering he's been getting into top shape (pictured) for his upcoming fight with Sonny Bill Williams
The final straw for Gallen came when he discovered he was getting used to operating after having too much to drink.
'I was coping when [I was] working at Channel Nine, and (for me) that was scary,' he said.
'In the end, I sought out help and spoke to a woman from Dubai.
'These days I barely drink... but I definitely will again down the track.'
Meanwhile, the war of words between Gallen and Sonny Bill Williams has continued, with the pair trading insults on live TV following the Origin decider on July 9.
Gallen instantly went on the offensive, labelling the Kiwi a 'weak-gutted dog' and an 'absolute mutt.'
The weak-gutted dog reference was made famous by Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart, who used it to describe then Panthers utility Jaeman Salmon in 2022.
Williams - speaking from an apartment on the Gold Coast - held his own, referring to Gallen as 'ugly' and his 'little brother.'
Former NSW Blues skipper Gallen wasn't having that, pointing out he is older than the All Blacks dual World Cup winner, who turns 40 in August.
'You dope. You're looking aged and weathered yourself but I am going to beat you,' he said.
'Don't run like we know you've run before.'
The pair will come face to face at the pre-fight press conference on Monday - and given the clear level of animosity, anything is possible.
Stan Sport is screening the pay per view fight for $70, with all the action from Qudos Bank Arena at Sydney Olympic Park.
