Anthony Mundine Believes He'd Lead An NRL Team To A Premiership If He Was Coach

There's not much 'The Man' can't do.

As an ex-rugby league star and a former boxing world champion, it's safe to say Anthony Mundine knows a fair bit about sport.

And after recently retiring from boxing following his first round loss at the hands of Michael Zerafa, it appears the 45-year-old has hinted at which career path he's planning on taking next - well, sort of.

Despite hanging up the footy boots exactly 21 years ago, the former St George Illawarra Dragons player still believes he has much more to give in rugby league and wants to try his hand at coaching.

More specifically, Mundine is eyeing a coaching role in the NRL where hopes to bring more cultural diversity to the competition.

"We need more diversity within the coaching system," Mundine told Nine's Wide World of Sport.

"It's just years and years of tradition. As long as I can remember it's been like that.

"It's all about control. It's part of society and reflects the system. Privilege shouldn't keep out a certain race. It's very important for the Indigenous players to have Indigenous coaches."

And, in typical Mundine fashion, he believes he can guide whichever team hires him to the very top.

"I might even put my hand up," he added.

"I believe if I coached I could lead a team to a premiership. I know the game. I know what it takes to win."

If Mundine ever was to get an NRL coaching gig, there's one promising young player coming through the ranks who he'd undoubtedly want to sign.

Raheem 'CJ' Mundine, who is currently plying his trade for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the NSW Cup, is tipped to follow his father's footsteps and eventually make his NRL debut.

"He's got all the talent in the world, he shouldn't have no problem playing NRL," Mundine said.

Instagram/@cj_mun01

"He's a fullback. He plays a little bit like Matt Bowen. He plays like him has the same style. He's got speed, pace and good vision. He also backs up really well.

"It shouldn't be too long, maybe six months or so."

Topics: nrl news, Anthony Mundine, son, Boxing, Rugby League, nrl, Australia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry