League: Mundine could pack punch for Warriors

Anthony Mundine has confirmed that the Warriors are one of the clubs he is considering for his much-publicised leap back into NRL. Mundine intends making a league comeback after five years as a professional boxer, and the Warriors are one of a handful of NRL clubs jostling to sign him.

The 29-year-old former Dragons five-eighths will defend his super-middleweight title against WBC champion Mikkel Kessler on May 11 and, about a week later, he will reveal the club he's chosen for his NRL comeback.

"The Warriors have a lot going for them - they have a great team, they are a great club and they are very professional," said Mundine yesterday.

"In Australia in recent years they have shown they can mix it with the best and I definitely think they are premiership quality. There's a great feeling at the Warriors. I'm friends with the likes of Stacey Jones, Monty Betham and Clinton Toopi." Mundine's close relationship with the Warriors stretches back to 2003, when he was preparing for a fight against Sean Sullivan in Auckland. He used the Warriors' gym as part of his preparation, trained with the team and was presented with a Warriors jersey. Since then, club owner Eric Watson and chief executive Mick Watson have been guests at his fights, and Mundine also spent time with the Warriors during their road to the 2003 NRL grand final.

The fact that Cullen Sports, who own the Warriors, are also into boxing, could be an attractive option for the outspoken Mundine, who is hopeful of continuing his boxing career while playing league. He could fight as little as once a year if he lifts the WBC title next month.

Mundine said: "I've been thinking about this for about six months," he said. "I think I'll be ready to play again about a month or six weeks after the fight.

"Obviously you can't just jump in and be the best straight away but I set high standards for myself. I still feel I have got the talent and ability to perform."

However, the Warriors know there are at least six clubs keen to sign Mundine. Mick Watson said: "I think all 15 clubs will be keen to have him because he's someone who can play every position in the backline and he's talented, exciting to watch and is great with the ball in hand."

Mundine emphasised his return wasn't about money. As long as he was paid normal match payments - about $3,000 a game - he would be exempt from the salary cap.

Former Kiwis captain Hugh McGahan had little doubt Mundine could make a successful comeback and that he would be an exciting player for the Warriors. But he also expressed a word of caution. "If he got back to the form he showed before he left the game, he would be very good for the Warriors. But I don't think his personality will match the club.

"He is a demanding, outspoken and individual player and may not fit comfortably with the culture of the club and the players in there."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY