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Matt Cooper calls out Gallen for MMA bout

Retired St George Illawarra great Matt Cooper is finally ready to step into the cage and he's got a high-profile target: "Bring on Paul Gallen."

Cooper hung up the boots in 2013 and has since kept fit with Wollongong trainer Joe Lopez.

After watching a local MMA event and revealing what he's been up to since leaving the NRL, Cooper wasted no time sharing his hopes for his first fight.

Matt Cooper in his playing days. Pic: Getty
Matt Cooper in his playing days. Pic: Getty

"When I first retired that was my plan, to step into the cage, but I ended up doing Dancing with the Stars," he said.

"A bit opposite but anyway, I got a bit of training to go and I want to make sure I'm ready to go.

"I wouldn't mind getting big Paul Gallen in the ring next year."

Paul Gallen in the ring. Pic: Getty
Paul Gallen in the ring. Pic: Getty

Cronulla veteran Gallen took up boxing as a part-time career in 2014, racking up a 7-0 professional record -- including wins against league players Anthony Watts, Bodene Thompson and Joseph Paulo.

Gallen will fight Fiji's Puna Rasaubale -- a former Sharks teammate -- on November 10, with the 36-year-old still keen on a fight with the code-hopping Sonny Bill Williams.

But Cooper reckons the State of Origin winner is a bigger fan of MMA than he is boxing and would be open to a bout.

The two have met before. Pic: Getty
The two have met before. Pic: Getty

"I spoke with Paul and he loves MMA, that's his preferred (discipline) instead of boxing," he said.

"I think he'd be keen. He wants to fight Sonny Bill this year in boxing.

"Obviously he beats him and this time next year we'll step in the cage."