Sonny Bill Williams v Paul Gallen: Channel 9’s bitter NRL grand final showdown revealed
Such is the level of spite between Paul Gallen and SBW the former had vowed to never work the latter again. The Grand Final could be tense.
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Paul Gallen and Sonny Bill Williams are set for a bitter showdown on live TV with the staunch rivals rostered to work alongside each other at the NRL grand final on Sunday.
As revealed by The Daily Telegraph earlier this month, such is the level of spite between the two, Gallen had hoped he no longer worked on-air with the former Kiwi international, who the former NSW State of Origin captain has branded “fake” and “embarrassing”.
However, it’s understood Nine producers have rostered the pair on together for the grand final — the first time they’ve shared a commentary position in weeks.
The animosity stems from Gallen’s belief that Williams “made up” a story during Nine’s NRL coverage two months ago of an alleged contract offer that would’ve seen the pair step into the boxing ring for one of the most anticipated fights in Australian boxing history.
On live TV, Williams urged Gallen to sign a contract where the split was ‘60/40’ against him.
Gallen denied ever receiving a contract offer.
The animosity has progressed to a point where the former NSW State of Origin captain has called Williams “lame” and “boring” for trying to convince the public that a so-called ‘superfight’ between the two has recently been in the offering.
“We worked together a couple of weeks ago after we had that blow-up off camera and then when I walk back in he walks over and shakes my hand like he wants to be my friend,” Gallen said.
“Then the next time he speaks to the media, he comes out with rubbish that has never happened.
“I know that everyone doesn’t get along within their work environment or in life. But you don’t be fake.
“Just don’t talk to me.’’
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