Forget about the old custom of charging friends $10 to join his barbecues, as Paul Gallen is raising the stakes significantly. Following his highly anticipated boxing match against Sonny Bill Williams on July 16 in Sydney, Gallen announced that the entry fee for his gatherings will now start at $50. This surprising shift comes after Williams accused Gallen of not only evading drug testing but also of hosting barbecues where teammates had to pay an entry fee.
In a recent media engagement, Gallen refuted these claims, asserting that he has never actually hosted a barbecue at his home. He clarified that he occasionally had mates over for drinks, particularly on special occasions like Mad Monday or Christmas. During a discussion on Triple M, Gallen responded to former teammate Beau Ryan, who brought up the barbecue fee rumour. Gallen expressed disbelief at such a low charge, suggesting it would hardly cover the costs of hosting. “If I’m charging football players to come to my house, it’s $50 minimum,” he revealed, emphasising the expenses involved.
In light of his upcoming fight against Williams, which can be viewed live on Stan Pay-Per-View for $70, Gallen feels confident despite Williams being the bookmakers’ slight favourite in this matchup. He argued that his boxing background gives him an edge; he has faced formidable opponents including heavyweight contender Justis Huni and knockout specialist Lucas Browne, alongside victories over notable NRL players like John Hopoate and Justin Hodges.
Despite their physical height and reach differences—Williams, at 39, holds advantages in both—Gallen provocatively remarked on the implications of a possible victory: “Imagine if this ‘little man’ beats him,” he shared. Williams has previously boasted about his boxing skills, calling himself the bigger, faster, and stronger fighter. Gallen believes that if he triumphs, it would be a severe embarrassment for Williams—a notion that fuels Gallen’s competitive spirit heading into the ring.
With the spotlight on them and their rivalry intensifying, fans and pundits alike eagerly await the outcome of this showdown between two of rugby league’s most prominent figures. As fight night approaches, Gallen’s comments have sparked increased interest, adding an exciting layer to a match laced with personal undertones and professional stakes.