Former Brisbane Broncos captain Justin Hodges has revealed his intention to become a professional boxer.
Hodges is set to make his pro boxing debut in an undercard fight for the upcoming fight between Paul Gallen and John Hopoate.
Hodges retired from the NRL, after 251 games and 24 Origins, following the Broncos’ 2015 grand final loss.
“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.
“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.”
Hodges opponent for the fight is yet to be announced, but he has already declared his ambition to fight Gallen.
“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). There is always that rivalry between us. Most Queenslanders hate him and most New South Wales supporters hate me.”
Hodges remains involved in rugby league and will return to the Queensland set-up as an assistant coach.