Mundine took to social media in response to former NRL player Joe Williams’ post calling for players to boycott in an effort to bring awareness to issues facing indigenous Australians.

“Been saying this for years!” Mundine wrote.

“The anthem was written in late 1700s where blackfullas were considered fauna (animals) advance Australia fair as in white not fair as in fair go.

“All players aboriginal & non aboriginal should boycott the anthem & start changing Australia’s ignorant mentality…lets move forward together yo.”

NFL player Colin Kaepernick has sparked controversy in recent times by refusing to stand during the American national anthem at matches.

Williams told Rugby League Week:

“Imagine if a couple of guys did it on grand final day – what a powerful message it would send to white Australia," he said. 

“It would bring all the racism that’s in the closet to the surface – the racism we have to put up with every day. The way we are treated in shops, the way people look at us on the street and the way the government treats us.

“It’s time it stopped. And our footballers are role models and the ideal ones to bring about change.”