NRL: Gallen cleared for Origin I

Scans cleared Cronulla skipper Paul Gallen of serious injury. Photo / Getty Images

NSW captain Paul Gallen will be able to play in the rugby league State of Origin series opener on May 23 after escaping injury and suspension scares on Tuesday.

Scans cleared the Cronulla skipper of serious injury after he hurt his knee in Monday's night's 34-28 NRL loss to South Sydney and he may miss one NRL match at worst.

Gallen then received a second boost.

Having been reported for using his knee in a tackle on Rabbitohs forward Dave Taylor, he receiving only a grade one charge, meaning he will escape suspension with an early guilty plea.

It comes as a huge relief to the Blues, who are already injury-ravaged as they attempt to end Queensland's six-year Origin dominance.

Gallen's scans indicated a strained posterior cruciate ligament and the worst case scenario will see him miss just this Sunday's NRL clash with unbeaten Melbourne.

He feared much worst when forced from the field against the Rabbitohs.

"I've had a little strain there before and it's just stretched it a little bit more. It's just more of a scare than anything,'' Gallen said at Sharks recovery on Tuesday.

"I was pretty scared at the time, but it's all good news this morning.

"I'll maybe miss a week.

"I'll definitely be right (for Origin) in two weeks time.''

- AAP