Footy star looks UNRECOGNISABLE nearly 20 years on from shocking tackle that left him unconscious

Nineteen years on from falling victim to a shocking John Hopoate tackle that shocked the NRL, it is fair to say Keith Galloway cuts a different figure.

The former Sharks forward was just 19 years old when he was left unconscious after being struck by footy bad boy Hopoate during Cronulla’s match against Manly at Brookvale Oval, and had to leave the field in a neck brace.

Hopoate subsequently copped a 17-game ban and saw his contract with the Sea Eagles terminated. The Galloway incident was the last high-profile episode of a long list of sagas which included him inserting his finger into the backsides of rival players, threatening referees and striking opposing players.

As for Galloway, after accepting Hopoate’s apology he went on to enjoy a commendable career at the top level. 

The prop left Cronulla for Wests Tigers in 2006 and made his State of Origin debut in 2011. At the end of that season, he became the first prop in Tigers history to earn a call up for the Australia squad. 

Injuries derailed Galloway’s progress and he moved to the United Kingdom in 2015 after signing for Leeds Rhinos, and retired from the game in 2018 after making 43 appearances for the club. 

But Galloway is living his best life after walking away from the footy park six years ago, having moved back to Australia with his family.

And he appears to have gone hard on the weights, showing off his impressively-built physique on Instagram.

Galloway is enjoying life as a retired life with his partner and their young family

The former NRL star was the victim of a horror tackle from John Hopoate in 2005

The 38-year-old has also posted loved-up snaps with his partner, Gen, and his kids. 

‘Life lately,’ he captioned one of his recent posts which contained a mirror selfie of him and Gen after a gym session. 

Another photo shows Galloway walking his dog along the beach while he posted another sweet snap with his son after a footy session.

Reflecting on his retirement, Galloway said in 2018: ‘It has been a tough decision but I know it is the right one for me and my family.

‘Despite my two major injuries at the Rhinos, I have loved being part of this fantastic club.’