NRL 2023: Anthony Mundine makes rugby league return in South Sydney A-Grade competition

It was a far cry from a world title fight or State of Origin, but Anthony Mundine has made a surprise rugby league return at the age of 48.

Anthony Mundine has made a shock rugby league return, suiting up for his local team, the Kogarah Cougars.

It was a far cry from the bright lights of a world title fight or a State of Origin appearance but Anthony Mundine made his rugby league return at suburban ground in Southern Sydney on Saturday afternoon.

One of the Australia’s greatest athletes strapped on the boots at the ripe old age of 48 to turn out for his local team Kogarah Cougars against Como Jannali in the combined South Sydney A-Grade competition at Blakehurst. Unfortunately a brawl broke out just moments before Mundine’s return.

It was just Mundine’s second game since he retired from the NRL midway through 2000 after playing a match five years ago alongside son CJ for Matraville.

TAnthony Mundine has made a shock rugby league return, suiting up for his local team, the Kogarah Cougars. Exclusive News Corp pics.

It is just the second game of rugby league for Mundine since retiring midway through 2000. Exclusive News Corp pics.

Mundine lives nearby and has worked regularly with the Cougars’ junior sides in recent years before being coaxed out of retirement.

“It was a bit of fun with the boys,” Mundine said, whose side won 18-0. “I have a close affiliation with the club. It was their old boys day where all the old fellas at the club said they would play. But they all pulled out and left it to me. I went out there and had a few touches. It was fun.

Mundine returned to the footy field at the age of 48. Exclusive News Corp pics.

“I’ve played at the highest level so I wasn’t too nervous.”

Mundine, who wore no.14, played the opening 15 minutes before being replaced.

Mundine played the opening 15 minutes before being replaced. Exclusive News Corp pics.

Mundine showed some of his old trademark footwork. Exclusive News Corp pics.

“I went all right,” Mundine said. “You have to train for this and get your hands on the ball.

“I haven’t been doing that. If I did it regularly and consistently I’ll go all right.

“I’ve had resurfacing on my hip and it gives way sometimes. It gave way on me and I fell.

“It’s all part of it. I thought I was going to take a break but a lad came in and got me.”

Mundine retired from boxing in 2021 after a sporting career which lasted 28 years and included multiple boxing world titles. He played 128 first grade games including winning a premiership with Brisbane in 1997 plus three games for NSW.

Cougars coach Rabi Awada said Mundine’s appearance was invaluable.

“The whole club looks up to him no t – just the A-Grade boys,” Awada said. “He is always at training sessions and having someone of his caliber around the club is awesome.”