Newly appointed NSW skipper Paul Gallen is likely to miss Ricky Stuart's first training sessions this week as he battles arm and leg injuries picked up in Cronulla's upset 18-4 win over the Sydney Roosters on Sunday.

Gallen produced another man-of-the-match display in front of 14,459 fans at Toyota Stadium.

He scored a try and battled on through a series of injuries suffered in the second half, as the Sharks ended a five-game losing streak by grimly protecting their line in an outstanding display of defensive attitude.

Gallen, who carried a calf problem in the lead-up to Australia's Test victory this month, said it was the sorest he had felt after a game this year, and admitted he was unlikely to take to the training paddock until Wednesday at the earliest.

"It's probably the sorest I've been after a game this year but I will be right in a couple of days," Gallen admitted.

"I've got a really big cork on my shin and a big hit on my funny bone (which) has made my fingers a bit numb ... It's nothing that's going to stop me doing anything (in State of Origin).

"Maybe (I won't be ready for training on) Tuesday, but I'll be right after that."

Gallen's effort to finish the match while carrying several injuries was just one of the many inspirational feats by Sharks players in the victory.

Not least of all the defensive workload of lightweight fullback Isaac Gordon who saved two certain tries when he stripped the ball off Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce, and then tackled a runaway Tom Symonds into touch soon after.

"I didn't think he'd tackle (Symonds) to be honest ... He's not known for his defence, he's known for his speed," Gallen said after the match.

"When someone like that makes a tackle like that, it lifts everyone's spirits.

"It was a good moment in the game and a good moment for Ikey (Gordon)."

Gallen praised the defensive display of his teammates, for only conceding a single try to Roosters centre Kane Linnett, who dislocated his shoulder while scoring right on halftime. He could miss the rest of the year.

"It's what we had to do. Our season was on the line and we came up with the goods," he added.

Sharks winger Stewart Mills scored a try on debut, while Ben Pomeroy bagged a double to go with Gallen's first-half four-pointer, but Flanagan could also not look past the rock solid defensive display when he assessed the match.

"I thought it was outstanding. The commitment and attitude to defence was just outstanding all game," he said.

"(Gallen) is the best forward in the game, probably the best forward in the world I think."

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