Stuck Intake Balance Shaft

[YaMoBeThere]

Hey all, I'm trying to replace the intake balance shaft on my mk6 GTI and the sprocket pulled off when I used a slide hammer. The balance shaft is loose now but wont fully release (see video), any advice on how I might be able to get this thing off without having to drop the transmission??

 

[YaMoBeThere]

Bonus image, look at the amazing condition the inside of the housing was in!

 

[Roadrunner_GTI]

Not to ask the obvious here but you did remove the water pump drive pulley right?