Boxing news: NRL player Victor Radley and ex-NSW enforcer Greg Bird approached for multimillion-dollar event

Roosters enforcer Victor Radley and an ex-NRL hardman have been targeted for a fight night which could be worth millions — but, will the Roosters allow it to happen?

Victor Radley.

Two of rugby league’s most controversial figures are set to emulate Paul Gallen by entering the boxing ring.

News Corp can reveal former NSW Origin enforcer Greg Bird and Roosters hitman Victor Radley have been approached to headline a multimillion-dollar rugby league fight night later this year.

Bird is set to go toe-to-toe with Broncos legend Sam Thaiday in a renewal of their State of Origin fireworks, while it is understood Radley is keen to test himself in the fight game.

Former NSW Origin skipper Gallen made more than $5 million from his post-NRL transition to the fight game, not only resurrecting interest in Australian boxing but blazing a trail for a host of other rugby league stars to put the gloves on.

Victor Radley.

Now Gallen’s former Blues and Cronulla ‘Bash Brother’ Bird is poised to punch on with Thaiday, who trains regularly in the ring and has previously fought former Bulldogs premiership-winner Willie Mason.

Former Titans hardman Bird infuriated a generation of Maroons fans with his on-field niggle in Origin encounters and Queenslanders would love nothing more than to see Thaiday knock him out.

A 235-game NRL stalwart, Bird finished his football career with Catalans Dragons in the Super League and moved into a coaching role with the French club before returning to Australia last year.

Bird and Thaiday have been sounded out by event organisers and are waiting on contracts to be delivered to formalise the bout.

Greg Bird.

Bird’s manager Chris Orr confirmed the 38-year-old veteran of 18 Origin games for the Blues is open to testing himself in the boxing ring.

“Birdy is always looking for a challenge,” said Orr of PSM.

“If there is a chance to reacquaint himself with a former Origin foe in the ring, I am sure it will be entertaining.”

Bird said he would relish the prospect of bashing a Queensland Origin star.

“Doesn’t matter which Queenslander steps in the ring, they will leave seeing Blue,” Bird said.

The Roosters, meanwhile, are aware of the approach to Radley and are considering giving the green light to the British World Cup firebrand.

The fight night is expected to be held after this year’s grand final to ensure Radley, and other possible big-name NRL targets, can complete their rugby league commitments.

Radley’s Roosters teammate Matt Lodge has previously outlined his desire to fight, while former Bronco Tevita Pangai Jnr recorded his second professional victory last year with a savage knockout.

The last rugby league fight night was held in Townsville two years ago involving star NRL duo Josh Papalii and Junior Paulo and former Origin stars Ben Hannant, Mason, Thaiday, Matt Bowen and Craig Gower.

Papalii scored a controversial victory over Hannant in the main event and there is a view Radley would be a revelation in the ring with his fiery, combative style.