Cult figure George Rose hopes to be considered for the revamped NRL All Stars clash despite being clubless as he contemplates a switch to boxing.
Rose is contemplating his future following the expiry of his contract with St George Illawarra. The former Roosters, Sea Eagles, Storm and Dragons forward continues to play in Aboriginal knockout league tournaments, but it could be a different sort of knockout that he's involved in next year. The 32-year-old has been spending time helping out in his brother Matt's boxing promotion business, including re-launching the career of former footballer Solomon Haumono.
While Rose is keeping his playing options open, he admits stepping into the ring is something he is considering. "I haven't ruled it out," he said. "I've always been a big boxing fan so it's fun for me to help out and getting amongst it.
"I was thinking about it the other night what I might do next year. If I wasn't playing footy I'd miss the training aspect and the competitive aspect of sport at the elite level. I wouldn't rule out having a crack at it because it's very tough to do. It's just whether I'd find the balls to jump in the ring, I don't know if I've got them or not."
Rose said he wouldn't be looking to take on footballers-cum-boxers Paul Gallen or Sonny Bill Williams any time soon. "They are far more advanced than me," he said. "I'd like to find the meanest-looking bloke who can't throw a punch to make myself look good.
"I guess if I was going to take it serious I'd go for anything but those guys are more advanced than me, so I wouldn't be jumping into the ring with them straight away."
Rose is yet to decide whether to accept offers to continue playing league at the highest level or to retire from the NRL. However, he would like to participate in a revamped All Stars concept that will feature the Indigenous team taking on a World side comprising players from Australia, New Zealand, England and those with Pacific Island heritage.
"I've always loved playing in it, it's the game that got me through pre-season," he said. "I really love that game and I know if I'm not running around it would be hard to watch it and not be a part of it. I'd love to slot my head in on the website and try to get a few votes. I think there are rules around [qualification] but I'd love to be able to play that for the next 10 years.
"Having all the dominant rugby league nations involved is a great idea and it is the best way to open the season."
Rose, who spends considerable time volunteering in Indigenous communities, said he was keen to pass on his knowledge to the next generation of athletes.
"Having the length of career I've had and the experiences I've had - both the hard and easier ways - I'd love to help blokes make the right decisions in their career and help set them up for when they finish up," the 151-game veteran said.
