The big boys of the NRL will step into the right to settle a score, in what will be a huge celebrity Fight Night event pitting rival against rival.
This won’t be a casual affair though, with each star out for a win, no matter the cost. Featuring some of the all time greats on the NRL field, the card has champion after champion ready to trade blows.
One of the biggest matchups of the night will consist of Josh Papalii up against Ben Hannant. The Raiders prop will take off the boots and lace up the gloves against the former Maroons prop, enlisting the help of Raiders teammates, Dunamis Lui and Curtis Scott to help train him before the fight. Eight years his younger than his opponent, Papalii isn’t one to write off Hannant early.
“I definitely know he’ll be fit," he said.
"Back in his playing days he was always a warrior on the field. You learn a lot about character when you play against players, and he was always a tough opponent.
"I don’t think he’ll be any different in the ring."
Another big matchup consists of Parramatta Eels prop, Junior Paulo against former NRL star, Neville Costigan.
Paulo is leaving nothing to chance ahead of the bout, cramming the schedule of two professional athlete careers into jam packed days, the 27 year old hasn’t missed a beat in his seven week camp.
“It’s been challenging but you’ve got to put in the work to expect the results. You’ve got to be confident in what you’re doing,” Paulo told Sporting News.
“The body has definitely been put through its paces, backing up from 4am wake ups to getting home at 8 o’clock at night. They’re pretty big days, Monday to Friday.”
Queensland great Justin Hodges will pull on the gloves against former Melbourne Storm winger, Sandor Earl. Hodges will have something to prove, after going down in a first round knockout from Darcy Lussick.
“For me it is about getting back up on the horse and having another go and it was never about me saying that I could fight or chase any Queensland titles or anything like that.
“It was just about having a go and encouraging everyone else to have a go.
“How can I tell my own kids about getting off the ground and don’t worry about the criticism because you are going to cop it. But standing up and having a go and whether you succeed or not it’s a nother thing.
“But obviously the reason why I am stepping back in is to turn that L into a W.”
Rounding out the huge event will be a feature from Sam Thaiday and Willie Mason, plus Scott Prince takes on Todd Carney, and finally Matt Bowen and Craig Gower.
In what will be a big night for rugby league, and Australian boxing, find out where to watch below.
MAIN CARD
Sam Thaiday vs Willie Mason
Justin Hodges vs Sandor Earl
Scott Princevsw Todd Carney
Matt Bowen vs Craig Gower
Junior Paulo vs Neville Costigan
Josh Papalii vs Ben Hannant