A SWING AT GAL
FORMER Broncos captain Justin Hodges is coming out of retirement to become a professional boxer and wants to fight Queensland’s most hated man — Paul Gallen.
The former Cairns Kangaroos junior will make his professional boxing debut as a heavyweight on the undercard for the upcoming NRL stoush between Gallen and John Hopoate.
“It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I love boxing and I want to help it,” he said.
FORMER Broncos captain Justin Hodges is coming out of retirement to become a professional boxer and wants to fight Queensland’s most hated man – Paul Gallen.
Hodges will make his professional boxing debut as a heavyweight on the undercard for the upcoming NRL stoush between Gallen and John Hopoate.
Hodges’ shock move to boxing will be announced at a press conference today at the Broncos Leagues Club.
Hodges, 36, played 251 NRL games for the Broncos and Roosters along with 24 Origins for Queensland and 13 Test matches.
He retired after Brisbane’s 2015 grand final loss, but has long held ambitions to box and will debut on February 8 at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion.
“It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and I couldn’t do it while playing rugby league,” Hodges said. “I grew up watching boxing as a young kid, sitting around the TV with my dad and brothers.
“It’s something I’ve always loved and done for a long time. The time is right to have a few fights and fulfil that need.
“I love boxing and I want to help it. Guys like Jeff Horn, Anthony Mundine and Danny Green have done wonders for the sport and hopefully I can help it, too.”
Hodges has been training since 2006 and plans to fight at around 101kg.
Over the past year he has ramped up plans to turn professional and convinced wife Gyanne to allow him to enter the ring.
Hodges’ debut opponent is yet to be decided, but he already has ambitions to fight Gallen later this year in what would be the ultimate State of Origin showdown.
“I want to have three or four fights first to get to that level where you’re comfortable and not nervous,” he said. “If all pans out the way I hope then I’d like to (fight Gallen).
“He would be a tough opponent. He’s not shy and works hard.
“There is always that rivalry between us. Most Queenslanders hate him and most New South Wales supporters hate me.”
Hodges will return to the Maroons this year as an assistant to coach Kevin Walters.