Former Brisbane Broncos star Justin Hodges reveals plans to become professional boxer

Former Brisbane Broncos captain Justin Hodges has confirmed he is coming out of retirement to pursue a new professional sporting career, and he insists the move is definitely not a gimmick.

Former Broncos skipper and NRL star Justin Hodges plans to become a professional boxer. Picture: Justin Brierty

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.

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Hodges’ shock move to boxing will be announced at a press conference on Wednesday 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.

Former Broncos captain Justin Hodges during boxing training at The Boxing Shop gym, Nathan. Picture: Liam Kidston

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 told The Courier-Mail.

“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 under Gareth Williams at The Boxing Shop in Nathan since 2006 and plans to fight at around 101kg.

Hodges will fight on the John Hopoate-Paul Gallen undercard, and wants to fight Gallen at a later date. Picture: AAP Image/Paul Braven

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.

During his 14-year Origin career, Hodges was one of the most despised Queenslanders south of the border due to his ability to get under his rivals’ skin.

Former Blues skipper Gallen is one of the great Origin villains and Hodges said it would be a showcase event.

“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.”

Justin Hodges has spent his NRL retirement as a commentator but is looking to do more. Picture: Peter Wallis

Matt Rose, fight promoter for the Hopoate-Gallen event, confirmed Hodges will be on the undercard with a view to eventually trading blows with the Cronulla Sharks skipper.

“Justin is serious about succeeding in the sport,” Rose said.

“I have spoken to him about it and he says he wants to show the sport the respect it deserves. This is not a gimmick or a novelty, Justin truly believes he can be successful in boxing and he is ready to put in the hard work.

“We’ve already had discussions about fighting Paul Gallen but Justin needs to get some ring experience first before we think about a fight like that.”

Hodges said he had missed the competitive aspect of rugby league since retiring and boxing presented a new challenge.

“I’ve got a good life now where I can walk around and no one says ‘you’re a shit player’,” he said.

“But you miss the big games where it’s heated and you want to be out there. You do miss the competition. We were born to do that.

“This gives me another dimension to compete against myself as well.”

Hodges will return to the Maroons this year as an assistant to coach Kevin Walters.