Hodges ready for Gallen

FORMER Queensland star Justin Hodges is on the verge of securing an NRL super fight with Paul Gallen as his bitter NSW Origin rival revealed he is shelving retirement plans and will continue his boxing career.

Hodges (pictured) has been added to the undercard of the Nikita Tszyu-Ben Horn main event on Wednesday week following his defeat of ex-Broncos teammate Ben Hannant in Brisbane a fortnight ago.

Hodges (4-1, 2KO) will return to the ring against debutant Jordan Simi in a fourround heavyweight showdown at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion on July 20. A former lowergrade footballer, the 28-yearold Simi is a podcaster and wannabe influencer who aspires to be Australia’s version of America’s Jake Paul.

Judging by his 29,000 followers, the well-built Simi has a long way to go to match 20 million man Paul.

But for Hodges, the Simi showdown is a calculated stepping stone to the bout he really wants — a potential $100,000 day this year against NRL legend-cum-prize fighter Gallen. It is understood Hodges will seal a big-money shot at Gallen if he beats Simi, who is dating Australian model Sammy Robinson, and the Broncos legend vowed to dish out some knockout footage for the Sydney-based YouTuber.

“I didn’t think my next fight would be this quick but if a knockout of this YouTuber (Simi) secures me a payday with ‘Gal’ later this year, then bring it on,” Hodges, 40, said.

“I got the win against Ben (Hannant) but if I‘m honest, I was as disappointed as everyone else that he was still standing at the end ... Jordan Simi won’t be as lucky.”