Anthony Mundine sets sights on NRL return

Anthony Mundine (L) believs he can make the transition from the boxing ring back onto the football field. Photo / Getty Images

From the crazy corner...

Anthony Mundine has boasted he can still be amongst the best five-eights in the NRL and is reportedly planning a comeback at the age of 40.

The footballer-turned-boxer told Sydney's Daily Telegraph he had talked to St George Illawarra Dragons CEO Peter Doust about making a shock league return.

Mundine said: "He knows I'm an extraordinary athlete. I'm a cut above normal athletes, mentally and physically.

"My whole career has been about pioneering. I'm an explosive juggernaut. That's the intrigue - can the magician bring out his tricks again?

"Imagine Mundine verse (Johnathan) Thurston. The somersaults and all that stuff. I know I'm coming to an end but I've still got the desire. To anybody who has a dream, chase it. Just don't leave it at the cemetery."

Mundine, whose father Tony fought for a world title, quit the Dragons in 2000 and went on to win WBA and IBO titles.

He was an exhilarating and controversial league player, and made three State of Origin appearances for New South Wales.

Mundine told the Telegraph: "Age doesn't define me. I'm 40 but I feel like I'm 25. My body hasn't had the year-in-year-out punishment from rugby league. I left the game in my prime.

"I know I've still got the skill. It's about getting the speed back and training as a sprinter to achieve that."

Most will see it as an impossible dream for a player many regarded as a notorious loud mouth. But Mundine is an incredible athlete and if anyone could do it, then he is probably the man.

Telegraph readers were sceptical and sarcastic in response, with some suggesting he had taken too many punches to the head.

But he had a few supporters.

One wrote : "Well it's good that he can teach people not to cave into the critics...I like your passion Mundine. Don't know how you would go but I would love to watch a game."