Samoan World Cup star Junior Paulo has revealed he was the man initially signed up to oppose Paul Gallen in tonight’s hyped farewell — with promoters No Limit convinced he could not only win, but replace the retiring heavyweight as Australia’s next crossover headliner.
After leading Samoa to a shock Cup final appearance, Paulo will now be ringside tonight — alongside Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker, Sam Burgess, Joseph Suaalii and host of other NRL stars — as Gallen rematches Queensland arch rival Justin Hodges in his last fight.
Better, and instead of simply sitting among a big crowd, Paulo will be eyeing off likely opponents for a possible February fight.
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The Parramatta enforcer said, if Gallen retires, he was now ready to take on any other player in the NRL — and before the 2023 season even kicks off.
Past or present, doesn’t matter.
The Eels prop also told Fox Sports Australia how only his World Cup commitments with Samoa had ruled him out of competing against the man he first faced back in 2016.
Despite eventually losing what was his professional debut via decision, Paulo put up an impressive showing and has since levelled up by working with the likes of Australia’s first UFC champion Robert Whittaker.
Paulo added that, with Galken retiring, he is now keen to step up and fill the void — keen to challenge Matt Lodge, Siosiua Taukeiaho or even Hodges if he secures the upset tonight.
“I was supposed to be Gal’s last fight — not Justin Hodges,” Paulo said on Wednesday afternoon.
“We had it all lined up with No Limit but then it didn’t work out with Gal’s schedule and my World Cup commitments.
“It’s a shame as it would have been a mad fight. I’m ten times the fighter I was when we first fought and Gal knows that too.”
Yet while he wont get the Gallen rematch, Paulo insisted he was happy to fight any player in the NRL or English Super League.
“There’s a heap of hype behind us NRL boys but it doesn’t matter to me,” Paulo said.
“I’m serious when I say I’ll honestly fight anyone.
“If this really is Gal’s last fight, let’s see if the rest of them want it – Justin Hodges, Lodge, anyone.
“I’ve heard Siua (Taukeiaho) can throw them too, that would be another good fight with us two representing our proud islander heritage.”
Asked for a prediction in Gallen’s farewell, the NSW Origin prop added: “Hodgo can definitely knock Gal out tonight, 100 per cent.
“This isn’t for laughs, this is boxing and people get hurt. Hodges proved that and he’s already sent him to the mat once.
“And if Hodgo does get the job done then I’m ready and waiting. I’ll take him next and we’ll get it going to start the year before footy season kicks off.”
