Paul Gallen has been given the go-ahead from Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan for a boxing bout just two months before the beginning of the 2016 NRL season.
Gallen, whose management on Monday agreed to enter into negotiations for a rematch against Queenslander Herman Ene Purcell, stands to gain at least $50,000 for the four-round fight, regardless of the result.
Flanagan's clearance comes despite the fact the original proposed date for the match-up is January 29, just one week before the Auckland Nines.
"There is no issue with Gal fighting in January," a Sharks official told News Corp.
"Shane Flanagan knows about the offer and has no problem with any fight that doesn't impact on his footy commitments.
"And a January fight falls into that category."
The 34-year-old heavyweight launched his pro boxing career in February 2014, when he stopped Ene-Purcell in the second round in Sydney, after being knocked down in the first.
Since then, Gallen has gone on to win his three other fights, including defeats of fellow rugby league players Anthony Watts and Bodene Thompson.
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