NSW skipper Paul Gallen isn’t giving up hope of playing in the State of Origin decider, despite battling a foot injury that could sideline him for up to five weeks.

Scans have revealed Gallen suffered a partial tear of the plantar fascia tissue in the arch of his left foot in the final minutes of Origin II on Wednesday.

It’s understood the injury could rule the Sharks captain out for three to five weeks.

A Cronulla spokesman said the full extent of the damage would not be known for another seven days, once swelling around the foot had reduced.

While that puts Gallen in serious doubt for the Origin series decider at ANZ Stadium on July 17, the 31-year-old is determined to play.

“My goal hasn’t changed. I’ll be doing everything I can to be fit for game three,” Gallen told News Ltd.

“I’m going to stay on the crutches for three or four days, spend every day rubbing Pain Away into it and ensure I get it right.

“I’m certainly not thinking that I won’t be there.”

Maybe not, but Gallen did admit on “Sterlo” on Thursday night that Blues selectors would almost inevitably tweak their side for the series decider in Sydney and conceded then that his possible unavailability might be among the changes.

The Sharks will be without Gallen when they face North Queensland in Townsville on Sunday but fellow Blues’ players Andrew Fifita and Luke Lewis are expected to play.