Justin Hodges calls out ‘dirty cockroach’ Paul Gallen as rugby league veteran ignites Queensland v New South Wales rivalry after defeating Ben Hannant in Brisbane
- Justin Hodges has challenged Paul Gallen to a boxing match this year
- The former Broncos star defeated Ben Hannant in Brisbane on Wednesday
- Despite boasting less experience than Gallen, he fancies his chances
Justin Hodges has demanded a Queensland v New South Wales grudge match against ‘dirty cockroach’ Paul Gallen after he defeated Ben Hannant in Brisbane.
The 40-year-old former Broncos centre was expected to finish his old Brisbane team-mate on Wednesday night, but the former prop showed exceptional bravery to take the bout the full distance.
After Hodges was crowned the victor in all three judges’ scorecards, he excitedly took to the microphone to issue former Sharks captain Gallen with a challenge.
Justin Hodges has issued a challenge to ‘dirty cockroach’ Paul Gallen in the boxing ring
‘If Queenslanders want to see me knock out the dirty cockroach,’ Hodges said.
‘I know Gal’s got heaps more experience than me but I’ll jump in and have a go, I don’t give a s***. I don’t know how long I’ll last but I know if I get him, he’ll be asleep.’
Gallen fought last May, losing via decision to Kris Terzievski in an Australian heavyweight title bout.
Hodges defeated former Broncos teammate Ben Hannant in a four-round dust up in Brisbane
The 40-year-old wants to take on Cronulla Sharks legend Paul Gallen later this year
He hinted at calling time on his boxing career in the immediate aftermath of that bout, but has not since officially hung up his gloves for good.
Gallen said after his defeat: ‘Age probably caught up with me, what can I do, everyone grows old. In boxing you don’t go old between fights you go old between rounds.
‘I left it too late and he is obviously a good boxer and moved away from me. I am not going to make any decisions [on retirement] now, I just felt like I couldn’t go as I normally go.’