Paul Gallen: I'm not ready to fight Sonny Bill Williams

Cronulla Sharks captain Paul Gallen. Photo / Getty

Cronulla Sharks and New South Wales State of Origin captain Paul Gallen says he needs more boxing experience before he can seriously contemplate fighting All Blacks and former NRL star Sonny Bill Williams.

Gallen is set to take on Warriors back-rower Bodene Thompson at the Super Eight event in Auckland on November 3, and looking to maintain his unbeaten record in what will be his fourth professional fight.

The 34-year-old spoke last week on Fox Sports about his hopes of meeting the cross-code footballer and former NZPBA heavyweight champion and WBA international heavyweight champion in the ring sometime next year, but today explained he needs more fights under his belt before that match-up can become a reality.

"I was asked if it would happen in the next six months but that won't happen. He's the got the Rugby World Cup and he's looking to do the Olympics next year, so maybe late next year if I can keep fit," said Gallen.

"I've always said I need more experience and that's still my answer. He's had seven or eight fights, I've had three.

"One of my last fights [against Anthony Watts] only lasted just over a minute with a bloke dislocating his shoulder so I've really only had two.

"If I get another three or four under my belt and win all of them then me and Sonny could certainly happen."

A fight between the pair has been touted ever since Gallen's initial foray into the ring against former All Blacks hooker Hika Elliott, though Gallen insists there is no ill-feeling behind the proposed bout.

"We've never spoken about fighting each other," he said. "I was actually doing a training session about two months ago, just down at the local boxing centre on a day off, and Sonny actually walked in.

"He had a week off from the All Blacks and walked in just as we were almost finished. I said hello then and we had a photo together with a couple of other boxers.

"I get on fine with him. There's no animosity or issue between us, it's just professional sport and it's something that people want to see."

Meanwhile, Gallen has been given the tip not to underestimate Thompson, and is expecting a tough contest, after Sharks teammate Sam Tagataese gave him the inside word on his opponent.

Tagataese was playing alongside Thompson at the Gold Coast Titans when he scored an impressive amateur fight win at a charity event in 2011.

"Taga told me he does have some skill and does go ok and is not just a footy player jumping in there," said Gallen.

"He's a southpaw, so that will be different. I've only had three fights and I've never even sparred a southpaw.

"I'll have to do a little bit of extra training on that but I've got no doubt that Bodene's going to be very tough. And as he's got some skills on top of that, it's going to be a tough night."