Samoan World Cup star Junior Paulo has revealed he was the person initially signed as much as oppose Paul Gallen in tonight’s hyped farewell — with promoters No Limit satisfied he couldn’t solely win, however substitute the retiring heavyweight as Australia’s subsequent crossover headliner.
After main Samoa to a shock Cup last look, Paulo will now be ringside tonight — alongside Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker, Sam Burgess, Joseph Suaalii and host of different NRL stars — as Gallen rematches Queensland arch rival Justin Hodges in his final combat.
Better, and as a substitute of merely sitting amongst an enormous crowd, Paulo shall be eyeing off probably opponents for a doable February combat.
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The Parramatta enforcer stated, if Gallen retires, he was now able to tackle another participant within the NRL — and earlier than the 2023 season even kicks off.
Past or current, doesn’t matter.
The Eels prop additionally informed Fox Sports Australia how solely his World Cup commitments with Samoa had dominated him out of competing towards the person he first confronted again in 2016.
Despite ultimately shedding what was his skilled debut through resolution, Paulo put up a formidable displaying 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’s now eager to step up and fill the void — eager to problem Matt Lodge, Siosiua Taukeiaho and even Hodges if he secures the upset tonight.
“I was supposed to be Gal’s last fight — not Justin Hodges,” Paulo stated 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 whereas he wont get the Gallen rematch, Paulo insisted he was blissful to combat any participant within the NRL or English Super League.
“There’s a heap of hype behind us NRL boys but it doesn’t matter to me,” Paulo stated.
“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.”