Dumped Wests centre Joseph Leilua is set to follow the example of many first-grade footballers by trading the playing field for the boxing ring.
However, the former Rooster, Knight, Raider and Tiger is said to be doing so in an attempt to earn a rugby league lifeline.
According to Wide World of Sport's ever informed 'Mole', the 29-year-old is set to enter the square circle to face off against either Jarrod Wallace of the Titans or ex-Sea Eagle Darcy Lussick.
While form, fitness and interest saw the back dumped from Michael Maguire's starting side for much of this year, those close to the now lean and mean Leilua have suggested that the club-less centre is fighting fit for a shot at spot with a fifth team.
"He rides the bike for 90 minutes and then does boxing training for two to three hours every day," a name in his camp told Wide World of Sports.
"He is only 29 and wants to prove he can still hold his own in league - if he gets fit and looks trim in the fight, it might be his way back in."
In what proved to be a disastrous year for the Sydney-born Tiger, Leilua only managed seven first-grade appearances, with triple-digit run metres only achieved on a singular occasion.
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Should this latest venture fail to entice any suitors, the two-time Dally M Centre of the Year has even suggested that he is open to a move to the front-row.
Still, if a committed performance is shown when his gloves are thrown, a bargain basement contract for 2022 could still arise.
As of yet, there are no known suitors for Leilua's services.
