Warriors centre Gerard Beale has come up against some of the rugby league's toughest hombres - but the opponent that made him most nervous lives in his own home.
Writing for PlayersVoice, Beale describes stepping into the boxing ring against wife Roimata, who has her sights set on representing New Zealand at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games in the 57kg division.
She began boxing for fitness two years ago, but has now compiled an 8-1 amateur record across Australia and New Zealand.
"It's not every day you're asked to spar with the mother of your three kids and the love of your life," writes the Kiwi international.
"Roi loves boxing - it suits her personality. She trains very hard and is the type who never lets excuses get in her way.
"In my opinion, she's a great fighter, and could really go on and develop this into a genuine sporting career."
Beale (96kg) got his chance to stare her down, while Roimata was preparing to face a taller opponent and her trainer asked hubby to play that role in training.
"I can tell you from first-hand experience that she's powerful and very, very quick," he told PlayersVoice.
"Fortunately for me, she was concentrating on body shots, so there wasn't much chance of any facial injuries. If she had got me a good one, I would never have heard the end of it from my teammates.
"The boys would have been merciless. Still, I had the headgear on… just in case."
Beale, who was returned to top form this season, after breaking his leg in two places during last year's Rugby League world Cup, admits he has brought some of his wife's approach to his own career.
"Just not the punches," he insists. "That's a send-off offence in my world."
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