Cronulla NRL skipper Paul Gallen has been ruled out indefinitely with his hip-related injury worse than first thought.

The Sharks released a statement on Friday confirming the bad news with the injury ruling him out of next week’s Test against New Zealand in Brisbane.

“The injury is worse than we thought initially and I’m not sure at this stage when I will be able to return. Obviously we will get the best medical treatment and advice and I’ll be back as soon as possible,” Gallen said.

“I’m certainly out this weekend and Ive called Tim Sheens to inform him I wont be right for the Test Match.”

Gallen has been battling the badly bruised hip that kept him out of Cronulla’s win over South Sydney on Monday.

Sam Tagataese is expected to come into the Sharks team for the game against the Panthers on Sunday.