New Zealand Warriors second-rower Bodene Thompson jumped at the chance to fight Paul Gallen, despite seeing hardly any of the Australian league hardman's three professional wins.

If he is not selected in the Kiwis squad for their upcoming tour of England, Thompson will take on Gallen at the Super 8 tournament in Auckland on November 3.

The 27-year-old Warrior has always had an interest in boxing. But, outside of a charity fight in 2011 and the occasional bit of training during his league career, has little experience in the sport.

Renowned as one of the toughest players in league, Gallen, the News South Wales State of Origin and Cronulla Sharks captain, has had five fights for five wins since 2012, including three victories since turning professional.

Thompson is unfazed by the difference in experience.

"I'm always twiddling my fingers at the end of the season and I always end up training anyway, so when they asked me I said 'yeah, for sure'," he said.

"I haven't really seen [Gallen] fight to be honest. I've seen the highlights of when he fought Anthony Watts and the only reason I watched it was because Anthony Watts used to play league and they said he dislocated his shoulder.

"He's a world class-player ... so obviously he's not going to leave any stone unturned. I'll be expecting that come November 3rd."

Thompson confirmed he will not be fighting if he is named in the Kiwis. After being part of the New Zealand squad for last year's Four Nations triumph but not making a match-day squad, he is an outsider in a strong group of second-rowers in line for the trip to England.

Either way, Thompson said he would looking forward to the next six weeks.

"My brother-in-law has been getting into me for five or six years about giving up league and following boxing, but my heart is just with league and has always been.

"Come October 4 whatever happens, happens. If I make the Kiwis that's my first and foremost [priority] because that is where my heart is at and I've always wanted to play for my country."

Thompson said he had been given no indication if he was likely to make the Kiwis, but knew he was up against some world-class players.

He also confirmed Warriors coach Andrew McFadden had given his tick of approval for the potential foray into the ring, on the condition Thompson didn't lose too much weight.

The Super 8 event at Sky City will also feature two New Zealand title fights, with former Warriors and Kiwis player Monty Betham challenging James Langton in the cruiserweight division and hard-hitting rising heavyweight Hemi Ahio facing a yet to be named opponent.

Defending Super 8 champion Israel Adesanya headlines the four-man cruiserweight division of the knockout tournament, while North Shore-based Robbie Berridge and Christchurch's Reece Papuni are the feature names in the light heavyweight division.