Josh Papalii and Justis Huni set sights on All Stars Rugby League fight night

So the NRL star can't help but wonder how Australian boxing's hottest prospect and reigning heavyweight champion Justis Huni would fare in a lime green jersey.

"He'd probably go well in the front row with me I reckon. If I'm ever in trouble I've got him by my side," Papalii said.

But when the time came for then 12-year-old Huni to choose between rugby league and boxing, the lure of the squared circle won out, and perhaps for good reason.

Because, now 21, the unbeaten heavyweight is an Australian champion already knocking on the door of a former world title holder en route to the Olympic Games, where he is considered a genuine gold medal chance.

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Then there is Papalii, who used to lace up a pair of gloves for scraps with his cousins in the backyard as a kid. He chose rugby league - State of Origin success and international glory has followed.

But now he has been lured to boxing, with the Raiders star set to face two-time NRL premiership winner Ben Hannant in the co-main event of the All Stars Rugby League fight night in Townsville on February 12.

Huni will take top billing against James Porter, in the first bout of what he hopes will be an extremely active year with plans to wipe out Australia's heavyweight division before chasing the best on the planet.

So will Papalii, the cousin of former world title challenger Alex Leapai who has been on the radar of the Huni camp, turn to the rising star for any pointers?

"Whatever advice he gives me, it will probably go out the window anyway," Papalii said.

"I'm not good at taking advice on, I'm just going to have to last for three rounds and hopefully catch Justis' fight after, and have a beer after.

"I've been doing the road runs in the morning before the kids get up, and in the afternoons, pad work with a close mate of mine. That's about it.

"I did my first sparring session last week, that's a bit different. Everything you've learnt on the pads goes out the window. It's a tough sport that's for sure, it's one I'm glad I didn't pick up on the way.

"The boxing training is something a bit different for myself. It's a learning path but it's one I've found very exciting and one I wouldn't mind doing again.

"I've watched all of Justis' fights. He's a Brissy boy as well, and he has definitely got a massive future ahead of him."

Should all go to plan against Porter, Herman Ene-Purcell, Leapai and former world champion Lucas Browne have been touted as others on Huni's hit list.

Fast forward two years and promoter Dean Lonergan, the man behind the rugby league fight night boasting a raft of ex-NRL stars, sees Huni fighting for a world title.

So Huni jokes there mightn't be much chance to link up with Papalii at the Raiders - a club Lonergan played for.

"I haven't touched a football in a long time and I probably won't touch one again. Too many injuries for me, I'll stick to boxing, stick to what I know," Huni said.

"I had a good end to last year, and straight back into it at the start of this year, all the way up until the Olympics if they go ahead. Exciting times ahead for me and I'm just hoping to keep the ball rolling.

"I look forward to fight night, fight night is the fun bit for me. That's when you get to go and show everyone what you've been working on. It's just another day for me."