'There's always that rivalry between us': NRL star who recently retired from footy switches sport – and wants to take on an Origin legend
- Brisbane Broncos retired great Justin Hodges wants to be a professional boxer
- Hodges, 36, is eyeing off a long term bout against Cronulla veteran Paul Gallen
- Will debut on the undercard for Paul Gallen v John Hopoate fight on February 8
A retired footy star has sensationally switched sports - and a State of Origin legend is firmly in his sights.
Justin Hodges, 36, who retired after the 2015 NRL grand final, is eyeing off a professional boxing career 'as the time was right.'
The former Brisbane Broncos and Sydney Roosters centre, who also represented Queensland on 24 occasions and Australia in 13 Tests, will fight on the undercard of the Paul Gallen versus John Hopoate bout on February 8 at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney.
Justin Hodges (pictured left) is eyeing off a boxing career after retiring from the NRL in 2015
Former NRL star turned boxer Justin Hodges (pictured left) with wife Gyanne Hodges
'Boxing is something I've always loved and done for a long time. The time is right to have a few fights and fulfill that need, Hodges told the Courier Mail.
'It gives me another dimension to compete against myself as well.'
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Depending on how his first bout goes, Hodges says he has Cronulla Sharks enforcer Gallen in his sights.
'There is always that rivalry between us. Most Queenslanders hate him (Gallen) and most New South Wales supporters hate me,' Hodges said.
'If it pans out how I'd hope, I would like to fight him, Gal would be a tough opponent.'
Paul Gallen and Justin Hodges (pictured right) were fierce rivals on the footy field - will it also happen in the boxing ring?
Gallen, who is preparing for his final season in the NRL at the age of 37, is undefeated in eight pro fights with four knockouts.
He is widely tipped to outclass former NRL bad boy Hopoate, who has a 12-5 pro record.
Fight promoter Matt Rose said Hodges' appearance in the ring is anything but a cheap gimmick.
NRL veteran Paul Gallen (pictured right) with wife Anne Gallen - the Cronulla enforcer has proven to be equally talented as a boxer
'Justin is serious about succeeding in the sport,' he said.
'He wants to show the sport the respect it deserves.'
Hodges' defection to boxing from the NRL is part of an established trend for retired league players..
Anthony Mundine led the way when he swapped his footy boots for boxing gloves in 2000, becoming a three-time world champion.
Other players who made the successful transition include dual footy international Sonny Bill Williams (7-0), one time South Sydney halfback Joe Williams (12-3-1), journeyman Solomon Haumono (24-3-2), and tough as nails hooker Billy Johnstone (21-6).
