Cronulla captain Paul Gallen asked to fight for charity

INSPIRATIONAL Cronulla skipper Paul Gallen has been sounded out to test his boxing skills in a fight for charity.

ON A footy field Paul Gallen is the NRL's Superman - now the inspirational Cronulla and NSW skipper has been sounded out to test his boxing skills in a fight for charity.

While refusing to talk himself up as the next Anthony Mundine, Gallen yesterday admitted his manager had approached him about taking part in a December 15 fight night in New Zealand to raise money for cancer.

The Fight For Life is an annual charity event that features Aussie sporting heroes against Kiwi rivals and is one of the highest rating shows of the year on New Zealand free-to-air TV.

In past years, league stars including Mal Meninga, Mark Geyer, Wendell Sailor and Issac Luke have had a crack at the event and this year Willie Mason is locked in as Australian team captain.

But Gallen was adamant yesterday there was no way he could even contemplate fighting because he was booked in for surgery tomorrow.

On top of that, he said, he had another little matter to attend to in the coming weeks - his wedding.

Gallen explained: "My manager (David Riolo) has spoken to them about it but I haven't spoken to anyone.

"I have to get these groins done (tomorrow) and I will see how I feel after that.

"I haven't said anything (about if he will or won't take part).

"I am also getting married and we are going overseas for two weeks."

Asked if he would consider the fight if he was fully fit and it worked into his calendar, Gallen laughed: "I would have to have a look who I was going to fight.

"If I've got to fight someone who is six-four and a 120kg I don't know about that.

"I was planning on having my buck's party this weekend and I don't think I will even be able to have that because I am getting this surgery."

He wouldn't say it himself, but those who have seen him in action reckon Gallen can more than handle himself and some of his off-season sparring sessions down the Sutherland Shire way are legendary.