Mundine wants Sonny Bill to box full time

[Guest]

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/spo...from=public_js

THERE is a fascinating story brewing behind the NRL's worst-kept secret: that Sonny Bill Williams has already agreed to join the Roosters in 2013.

We've heard Williams' soul mate, Anthony Mundine, would much prefer the Kiwi superstar to abandon football altogether and join him in full-time boxing.

But their common manager, Khoder Nasser, disagrees.

Nasser has been in talks with Roosters chairman Nick Politis since late last year about a code switch for Williams, who is still insisting on permission to have two or three pro fights a year.

Boxing sources tell us the difference of opinion between Mundine and Nasser over the dual international's future has driven somewhat of a wedge between them.

For proof, look no further than the fact Mundine has recently become friendly with two of Nasser's lifelong enemies, Jeff Fenech and this newspaper's very own sports editor-at-large Phil Rothfield.

We wonder if the growing tension will affect the relationship between Mundine and Williams, who even converted to Islam shortly after linking with Nasser in 2008.

And for the record, we are tipping the Roosters deal to be officially announced before Origin kicks off.

[Guest]

Welcome to the circus.

I keep saying how can you be a pro footballer and box on the side?

He would have idiots like Mundine in his ear all the time telling him he is the next Ali. It can only be a distraction.

I hope it isn't too late.

[Guest]

Should we just change his name to Sonny Bill Liston and be done with it.

Screw it, my nick name for him from now on is Phantom Punch.

[elo]

He's going to tear the club apart this bloke, when will Uncle Nick learn?

[chook 56]

History never repeats? Yeah, right. Good luck with that one.
Sonny Bill Carney will see us back in the poo pile, again.

[007]

Welcome to the circus.

I keep saying how can you be a pro footballer and box on the side?

He would have idiots like Mundine in his ear all the time telling him he is the next Ali. It can only be a distraction.

I hope it isn't too late.

Mundine an idiot? I don't know - remember by the time he finishes his sporting career he will be "better than Bradman". Just ask 'The Man', he will tell you himself without hesitation. SBW - No thanks.

[kakaruk]

Its the timing of the fights that worries me.A couple of fights in the off season isnt going to hurt, in fact it will help his fitness.Boxing demands a far greater level of fitness than league if your going to fight pro you have to be in top shape.If hes on a card late in the season it might impact on us.But lets not get carried away, believe me sonnys not being put in with anyone who can hurt him badly at this stage its all about the $ easy payday for him.Stick him in the ring with les sherrington and see what happens.

[Headless Chook]

Mundine an idiot? I don't know - remember by the time he finishes his sporting career he will be "wealthier than Bradman". Just ask 'The Man', he will tell you himself without hesitation. SBW - No thanks.

Fixed it for you

[Guest]

Seriously... do we really need to keep dribbling about this SBWalkout shyt? Its bad enough now. Whats it going to be like when he actually gets a start with us then has another brain snap?

[Guest]

I am curious as to what those claiming he will be Todd Carney 2.0, actually think Sonny will do?

Yes, his entourage is undesirable to say the least. But the bloke himself does nothing. He doesn't go out and get pissed like Toddy did, he doesn't lie to the media and his own club about turning himself around, he doesn't come across as selfish, and doesn't play like he couldn't care less whether the club wins or loses.

As such, I don't see the similarities to Toddy at all.

All SBW's entourage does is create annoying headlines that the club could do without. But that is a petty price to pay for someone of SBW's talent.

His only blemish is the contract walk out. Not minor, but nothing Toddy like.

So I ask all you critics - what monumental potential Sonny Bill Kings-Cross-meets-Artarmon stuff-up has you all worked up?

[chook 56]

BlindFreddy.
I personally have nothing against SBW.
Carney & he are poles apart, as you say, re lifestyles. No argument.
The problem/s I see that compare to Todd are mainly to do with distractions from what the team should be focussing on.
With Todd, the media hounded him - the team lost focus & unity.
With SBW (and the Mundine circus) & his media attention & his boxing etc - the team will potentially lose focus & unity.
The BIG $ that he will command will be a distraction for others in the team that will start to question the disparity.
I could go on & on but these are just a few of the potential problems I foresee.

No argument SBW is a superb athlete & sportman.
I just don't think the risk for another Toddy type year is worth the risk.
The wounds from 2011 are still very open & weeping, my friend.

My 2 cents worth.

[Guest]

SBW should listen to him and box full time - the NSW and Aussie selectors are racist ****s that will never pick him so he should avoid our sport

I hate Nasser, but that hate has lessened slightly upon hearing that he is enemies with slothfield

[John Corey]

I just saw him play for the Chiefs in that 'other' game. He dominated and was involved in just about everything. Say what you like about him, he is a great athlete and would be the best strike weapon we have. By a bloody mile. Or maybe you would prefer FPN or Symonds?

He isn't coming to our club anyway. At least that's what I keep telling myself so I don't get disappointed when he doesn't sign. I remember being ecstatic when we signed Dugan........ well according to some on here it was a done deal!

[bondi-boy]

He's going to tear the club apart this bloke, when will Uncle Nick learn?

On the 12th of never so it seems.

SBW should be made choose...boxing or NRL, not both.
Someone will punch his lights out in the ring and we'll be left posted, and paying out millions to him in contract money.

[bondi-boy]

BlindFreddy.
I personally have nothing against SBW.
Carney & he are poles apart, as you say, re lifestyles. No argument.
The problem/s I see that compare to Todd are mainly to do with distractions from what the team should be focussing on.
With Todd, the media hounded him - the team lost focus & unity.
With SBW (and the Mundine circus) & his media attention & his boxing etc - the team will potentially lose focus & unity.
The BIG $ that he will command will be a distraction for others in the team that will start to question the disparity.
I could go on & on but these are just a few of the potential problems I foresee.

No argument SBW is a superb athlete & sportman.
I just don't think the risk for another Toddy type year is worth the risk.
The wounds from 2011 are still very open & weeping, my friend.

My 2 cents worth.

And 100% corect, all of it.