NSW and Cronulla Sharks captain Paul Gallen doesn't see himself pursuing a boxing career

THE last thing Paul Gallen wants is to join the circus. This Saturday, he will make his boxing debut in The Fight for Life charity event.

THE last thing Paul Gallen wants is to join the circus. This Saturday, the NSW and Cronulla captain will make his boxing debut in The Fight for Life charity event.

But unlike the growing list of footballers using boxing to boost their bank balance, Gallen says this is likely to be his only foray into the ring.

"I've got too much respect for boxing. The more I train with the gloves on, the more I realise I'm a rugby league player," Gallen said.

Besides, he is too smart to give his opponent, Kiwi rugby union player Hika Elliott, any further ammunition after the tattooed hooker declared yesterday he wanted to "knock Gallen out".

Boasting 62 fights as a kick boxer, Elliott at 114kg will have a 9kg weight advantage on the super-fit Gallen.

"He's a decent kick boxer who knows his way around the ring, so I'm not expecting an easy time," Gallen said.

"But I'm not going to back down. I'll be having a dig.

"I've always loved boxing, but never did I think I'd step into the ring like this. Not too many people get the chance, so I'm going to give it everything I've got for a good cause."

Gallen has spent the past month working with respected boxing trainer Mark Gambin and Cameron Johnston at Kostya Tszyu's gym at Rockdale.

On Thursday, Gallen went three rounds with a sparring partner of Anthony Mundine, leaving the 31-year-old feeling as ready as he can be for the biggest individual challenge of his career.

"This is my 12th off-season of pre-season training, so to have this little project to strive and work for, a different goal to footy, has really freshened me up and feeling re-charged for next season," Gallen said.

Greg Bird, Willie Mason, Manu Vatuvei, Lauryn Eagle and Jarrod McCracken also feature on a card that is likely to have a few respective NRL coaches holding their breath.