CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | CONTACT
As the NRL finals heats up this weekend, it seems the biggest clash in rugby league rivalries will actually be taking place inside a boxing ring on Thursday.
Former NSW Origin captain Paul Gallen will fight both Queensland Maroons icons Ben Hannant and Justin Hodges in Brisbane’s Nissan Arena – for what promises to be a wild fight night.
It’s not the first time that former footballers have gloved up for a professional bout, but it certainly will be the first time that one man has fought two seperate opponents in the same night.
It is not yet known which Queenslander will trading blows with Gallen first, but it has been confirmed the heavyweight Cronulla boy will have up to an hour between fights.
Event promoter, Gorgeous George Rose from No Limit Boxing says that Queenslanders in the audience should appreciate the fact that they get to watch their mortal enemy Gallen get punched two seperate times throughout the evening, with a full card stacked with premiere Australian boxing talent leading into the bouts.
However, one question that is being raised across the Sunshine State is how 29-match Queensland Maroon legend Sam Thaiday was left out of the evenings festivities.
Known colloquially in both NSW and at home as ‘Third-Man-In Thaiday’ – many fans thought that the former Broncos captain would be a walk-up start for a boxing match involving three men.
Even Thaiday himself appeared surprised, having gloved up just last year to take on Willie Mason in a charity event.
“I thought I’d get the call up for sure” said Thaiday.
“Coming in from the side is my specialty! I’ve even done it for Hodges a few times”
“They better keep me in mind for the next one”
When asked for comment, Gorgeous George confirmed that Sam Thaiday had been considered as one of the two Queensland opponents, but was overlooked after it was decided that the 3rd-man-in would have to wait an hour to jump in the ring.
Watch Origin Rumble LIVE on Main Event available on Kayo & Foxtel, this Thursday night, kicking off at 7pm AEST.
FULL CARD
Paul Gallen v Justin Hodges/Ben Hannant
Joe Goodall v Arsene Fosso
Benjamin Hussain v Lachlan Higgins
Paul Gallen v Justin Hodges/Ben Hannant
Ty Telford v Vanlalawmpuia
Jack Bowen v Renold Quinlan
Miles Zalewski v Shiva Mishra
Jalen Tait v Krishnil Mudaliar
Angel Rushton v Ange Harris
Desley Robinson v Stephanie Mfongwot
Junior Tafa v David Tuliloa
