Now that Anthony Mundine has sailed into the sunset for the final time (so he says), the former Dragons star's new mission involves helping today's youth and spending more time with his family.
And no doubt that involves investing in making his son CJ's dream of playing in the NRL a reality.
CJ Mundine is in the second year of a two year deal he signed with Souths in 2019 and has been named at fullback this week for the Rabbitohs' NSW Cup team to play Blacktown.
CJ joined South Sydney after impressive performances donning the same No.6 jersey as his famous father for St George's SG Ball team before shifting to the Matraville Tigers, where he played alongside Anthony in the Souths Juniors A-grade competition. Souths were among six clubs reportedly chasing the services of CJ, who is a fullback/five-eighth.
Anthony Mundine has strong links to the club and shares a friendship with owner Russell Crowe and also won a premiership with the Broncos in the 1997 Super League season under current Souths coach Wayne Bennett.
Mundine knows about the weight of expectations when you're trying to make a name for yourself in a sport your father dominated. That's the task laying ahead for his son.
"He's got all the talent in the world, he shouldn't have no problem playing NRL," he told Wide World of Sports.
"He's a fullback. He plays a little bit like Matt Bowen. He plays like him has the same style. He's got speed, pace and good vision. He also backs up really well.
"It shouldn't be too long – maybe six months or so."
Does he play like his old man?
"There's only one 'Man' Mundine," he added. "There will never be another me. I was the best ever."
Souths won the race for CJ's signature because of their bright future and the club's record with the Indigenous community, according to Mundine. Now that his athletic career is over, a big part of 'The Man's' next mission involves addressing racial inequality, he says. While the NRL does everything right on a corporate level to convince the public the code condemns any form of racism, the residual impact of societal discrimination trickles down.
For instance, while Indigenous players are often lauded on the playing field for their freakish athletic abilities and fast-twitch fibres, opportunities for minority or Indigenous candidates within the coaching structure of the sport are limited.
Apart from Laurie Daley and Mal Meninga coaching at Origin level along with Beetson, who coached the Roosters in three separate stints across three decades in addition to taking charge of the Sharks, there has been a lack of diversity among the head coaching ranks at the top level. Although there are several up and coming coaches coming through the ranks.
Justin Hodges will coach the Redcliffe Dolphins in the Queensland Cup and coached the Maroons in Under 20s. He has also been an assistant to the senior side. Former Kangaroos five-eighth and Tonga coach Jim Dymock is an assistant with the Titans, while Ron Griffiths is one of the few Indigenous coaches working in the Telstra Premiership.
The lack of diversity in the upper echelons of every industry is a problem felt across the world and most sports leagues. In 2003, The NFL introduced the 'Rooney Rule' which mandates that every team interviews at least one or more diverse candidates. The rule was extended in 2009 to include general manager jobs and front office positions.
According to Mundine the NRL needs to look into adopting a similar system.
"I definitely think so," he said. "We need more diversity within the coaching system. It's just years and years of tradition. As long as I can remember it's been like that.
"It's all about control. It's part of society and reflects the system. Privilege shouldn't keep out a certain race. It's very important for the Indigenous players to have Indigenous coaches."
As you'd expect Mundine believes he can also be 'The Man' with the clipboard.
"I might even put my hand up. I believe if I coached I could lead a team to a premiership. I know the game. I know what it takes to win."
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