Sonny Bill Williams v Paul Gallen fight LIVE updates: Rugby league greats go face-to-face in the ring
Good evening fight fans!
It's the fight they said would never happen. But here we are, ringside at Qudos Bank Arena, for a grudge match that has been more than a decade in the making; Sonny Bill Williams versus Paul Gallen.
The former footballers have clashed over everything from the length of the rounds to the gloves that will be used, threatening to scupper one of the most anticipated boxing events of the year. Given how many false starts there have been, it appeared this was never going to happen.
However, the chance to finally settle the score - getting paid $1 million each may have also had something to do with it - means we are finally here.
And we'll be there to bring you all the action as it happens.
7.28pm
Green v Mundine IV?
In undercard action, Rahim 'CJ' Mundine earned a second-round KO of Joe Vatusaqata in their super-middleweight clash. The son of Anthony Mundine then called out the son of Danny Green, Archie, a chance for a new generation to step into the Mundine-Green rivalry.
Rahim was closing in on an NRL debut in 2021 while playing fullback for Souths, only to have his dreams dashed by a tackle from a young Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i.
'Early in that year a superstar, Joseph Sua'ali'i tackled me and I dislocated my left hip,' Mundine said.
'They said that was like a car-crash injury, that slowed me down a bit.'
Mundine has switched his focus to boxing and has now earned his second victory and there is talk now of him going up against Archie Green, who is about to make his boxing debut.
'He's got a similar style to his dad, I've got a similar style to my dad,' Mundine said.
'Everyone knows what goes on when that happens. It would be like Connor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr, an Australian version.
Anthony Mundine added: 'We want to make Green-Mundine money.'
7.24pm
To get you in the mood, check out this fight teaser
This is one of the best I have seen.
The narrator is Temuera Morrison, aka Jake 'the Muss' (he was also a bounty hunter in Star Wars, some people get all the good gigs).
Enjoy.
7.20pm
Good evening fight fans!
It's the fight they said would never happen. But here we are, ringside at Qudos Bank Arena, for a grudge match that has been more than a decade in the making; Sonny Bill Williams versus Paul Gallen.
The former footballers have clashed over everything from the length of the rounds to the gloves that will be used, threatening to scupper one of the most anticipated boxing events of the year. Given how many false starts there have been, it appeared this was never going to happen.
However, the chance to finally settle the score - getting paid $1 million each may have also had something to do with it - means we are finally here.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sky News AU
7 hours ago
- Sky News AU
'Michael Jackson of Gambling': An Aussie social media influencer goes viral for his gambling addiction
A young Australian influencer is gaining viral fame for his gambling habits as experts warn his online content could have a powerful impact on his growing audience. Luca Kante has built a large online by sharing videos of his daily wins at pokie machines, with his content regularly showing stacks of cash and jackpot celebrations. The gambler has become a fixture on social media feeds where fans praise his apparent luck and skill. The full-time gambler and content creator is quickly becoming a recognisable figure among young Australians. His flashy videos draw thousands of views and followers often leave comments hailing him as 'King' and calling him the 'Michael Jackson of Gambling.' Fans particularly praise his gambling success, writing comments like 'Pokies hate to see him coming' and 'Bro is just too good at gambling.' Others ask him for tips, with one user saying, 'I wish I had 1% of this power.' This kind of adoration highlights the growing impact Kante has, particularly on younger audiences. One in three Australians aged 12 to 17 have engaged in some form of gambling, raising concerns that influencers like Kante may be encouraging risky behaviour through their content. These influencer videos often show Kante betting large amounts and celebrating wins, with little mention of losses or the risks involved. Gambling experts worry this glamorised version of gambling could normalise addictive behaviours and mislead viewers into believing that gambling is an easy way to make money. As Kante's popularity grows, questions are also being raised about how much influence a single social media gambler can have and what the long-term impact could be for his followers.
Sydney Morning Herald
7 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘I think we should do it': AFLW captains push for Origin series in quest for more games, viewers
Molloy wants more footy and more chances to put the game's elite players in the spotlight, and has long wanted the All-Australian side to play together each year. 'I'm lucky to have a couple of All-Australian blazers and I think to myself, God, I'd love to see this team play,' Molloy said. 'I don't know where we play or who we play against, but I always thought to myself that it would be intriguing. 'We've seen so many exciting formats in the men's game, we've seen Origin in the past [in AFLW] and I'd love it. I'd absolutely love it. 'Any way we can showcase talent and put them all together – I'd love to see it in any format.' Some captains also expressed interest in an Australia v Ireland series between AFLW and Gaelic football stars, given the influx of Irish talent. But whatever the format, it must be a good product. 'We need to make sure it is something people want to watch and really build it up,' Crows captain Sarah Allan said. The teams If State of Origin were to return, Molloy believed the teams should be decided based on where a player's club is located, not where they were raised. But there is still strong state allegiance from those who would don an Allies jumper. Collingwood skipper Ruby Schleicher was already picking her WA side mid-interview – Ebony Antonio and Emma Swanson were among her selections – and hatching a plan to claim Chelsea Randall from South Australia's clutches. 'It would be great to get the old gang back together of people we used to play against in the WAFL,' Schleicher said. 'There is that state pride, there is nothing like putting your own colours on. But whatever it looks like, I'll put my hand up.' Carlton captain Abbie McKay said she would jump at the chance to play for Victoria or Australia. 'It would be awesome,' McKay said. 'I played one year for Vic Metro [at under-18 level] and it would be an honour to do it again.' Queensland could also field a strong side considering Brisbane Lions are a perennial contender and the Gold Coast are producing a host of talented players. 'There is that much talent that Queensland could have our own team – I'd probably say Queensland, South Australia and Victoria could all give it a red-hot crack,' Hawthorn captain Emily Bates said. The standard The AFLW played a State of Origin game in September 2017, when a Debbie Lee-coached Victoria thumped the Allies by 97 points at Marvel Stadium. Daisy Pearce, Ellie Blackburn and Jasmine Garner were among the stars for the Vics. Schleicher was adamant such a result wouldn't be repeated. 'Hey, hey, hey, you are talking to a WA girl here – of course not,' Schleicher exclaimed. Bates was a part of the Allies team in 2017. 'We got absolutely pumped, so that wasn't a great memory,' she recalled. 'But I think it would be great for the game and showcase the best talent available, I'm keen to see it happen again.' Richmond captain Katie Brennan was also on that Allies side and said the talent is far better than in 2017. 'The talent from all the different states is extraordinary now,' Bates said. 'I'm a Queenslander, born and bred, and that talent pathway has gone from strength to strength. There would be more competitive balance out there and it would be an awesome sight to see.' Molloy was more pragmatic about the format. 'The under-18s is where we display our state talent. I would take a more holistic view and have the Allies playing Victoria as Victoria is like the footy capital,' she said. The timing The league's continued expansion is written into the CBA – with the current 18-team competition only playing for 12 rounds plus finals. While Origin would be a way to get more games in the calendar, the same issues that plague discussions of the return of the competition for the men's game would be problematic for the women. Playing a series on the eve of the season could see star players injured ahead of their club campaigns; playing at the end or in the off-season would interrupt their breaks. Playing representative football in the middle of the regular season – for example, making the game a showcase event on AFL grand final day or eve – is also likely to be unpopular with clubs. 'The only trouble [in 2017] was the injuries that came from the game, so that would be a risk. But I think we should do it,' Bates said. 'Timing is tricky. Girls often travel in the off-season and whatnot, I think the perfect time would be straight after the season when you still have your match fitness.' Molloy ruled out a mid-season Origin. 'I don't think fixturing it during the season is appropriate. We want to win the premiership, every team wants to win the premiership, so you don't want to take away from that journey.'
The Age
7 hours ago
- The Age
‘I think we should do it': AFLW captains push for Origin series in quest for more games, viewers
Molloy wants more footy and more chances to put the game's elite players in the spotlight, and has long wanted the All-Australian side to play together each year. 'I'm lucky to have a couple of All-Australian blazers and I think to myself, God, I'd love to see this team play,' Molloy said. 'I don't know where we play or who we play against, but I always thought to myself that it would be intriguing. 'We've seen so many exciting formats in the men's game, we've seen Origin in the past [in AFLW] and I'd love it. I'd absolutely love it. 'Any way we can showcase talent and put them all together – I'd love to see it in any format.' Some captains also expressed interest in an Australia v Ireland series between AFLW and Gaelic football stars, given the influx of Irish talent. But whatever the format, it must be a good product. 'We need to make sure it is something people want to watch and really build it up,' Crows captain Sarah Allan said. The teams If State of Origin were to return, Molloy believed the teams should be decided based on where a player's club is located, not where they were raised. But there is still strong state allegiance from those who would don an Allies jumper. Collingwood skipper Ruby Schleicher was already picking her WA side mid-interview – Ebony Antonio and Emma Swanson were among her selections – and hatching a plan to claim Chelsea Randall from South Australia's clutches. 'It would be great to get the old gang back together of people we used to play against in the WAFL,' Schleicher said. 'There is that state pride, there is nothing like putting your own colours on. But whatever it looks like, I'll put my hand up.' Carlton captain Abbie McKay said she would jump at the chance to play for Victoria or Australia. 'It would be awesome,' McKay said. 'I played one year for Vic Metro [at under-18 level] and it would be an honour to do it again.' Queensland could also field a strong side considering Brisbane Lions are a perennial contender and the Gold Coast are producing a host of talented players. 'There is that much talent that Queensland could have our own team – I'd probably say Queensland, South Australia and Victoria could all give it a red-hot crack,' Hawthorn captain Emily Bates said. The standard The AFLW played a State of Origin game in September 2017, when a Debbie Lee-coached Victoria thumped the Allies by 97 points at Marvel Stadium. Daisy Pearce, Ellie Blackburn and Jasmine Garner were among the stars for the Vics. Schleicher was adamant such a result wouldn't be repeated. 'Hey, hey, hey, you are talking to a WA girl here – of course not,' Schleicher exclaimed. Bates was a part of the Allies team in 2017. 'We got absolutely pumped, so that wasn't a great memory,' she recalled. 'But I think it would be great for the game and showcase the best talent available, I'm keen to see it happen again.' Richmond captain Katie Brennan was also on that Allies side and said the talent is far better than in 2017. 'The talent from all the different states is extraordinary now,' Bates said. 'I'm a Queenslander, born and bred, and that talent pathway has gone from strength to strength. There would be more competitive balance out there and it would be an awesome sight to see.' Molloy was more pragmatic about the format. 'The under-18s is where we display our state talent. I would take a more holistic view and have the Allies playing Victoria as Victoria is like the footy capital,' she said. The timing The league's continued expansion is written into the CBA – with the current 18-team competition only playing for 12 rounds plus finals. While Origin would be a way to get more games in the calendar, the same issues that plague discussions of the return of the competition for the men's game would be problematic for the women. Playing a series on the eve of the season could see star players injured ahead of their club campaigns; playing at the end or in the off-season would interrupt their breaks. Playing representative football in the middle of the regular season – for example, making the game a showcase event on AFL grand final day or eve – is also likely to be unpopular with clubs. 'The only trouble [in 2017] was the injuries that came from the game, so that would be a risk. But I think we should do it,' Bates said. 'Timing is tricky. Girls often travel in the off-season and whatnot, I think the perfect time would be straight after the season when you still have your match fitness.' Molloy ruled out a mid-season Origin. 'I don't think fixturing it during the season is appropriate. We want to win the premiership, every team wants to win the premiership, so you don't want to take away from that journey.'
