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The ‘Origin Rumble’ weigh-in threatened to boil over on Wednesday as Justin Hodges put his hand around Paul Gallen’s neck ahead of their showdown on Thursday night.
Hodges said he would not “back down from anything” after stepping onto the scales at 103.9kg, and insisted any theatrics would be “up to” Gallen.
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The two almost came to blows at the press conference after Gallen implored Hodges to run at him before telling the former Bronco to “kiss your kids goodnight” before they fought.
However, it was the Maroons legend who insitgated the wild scenes on stage, as he pressed his forehead against Gallen before putting his hand on the former Blues skipper’s throat.
Gallen did not react one bit and appeared relatively calm throughout the chaos.
After weighing in at 102.54kg, Gal admitted he was surprised by the amount of Queenslanders who have come up to him hoping to see him knock Hodges out.
“It’s been crazy,” Gallen said.
“I can’t believe the amount of people that want me to bash Justin Hodges.”
However, Gallen admits he is “still frustrated’ at how he has been treated by his two opponents and No Limit in the weeks leading up to the fight.
MORE COVERAGE
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“You saw what happened at the press conference,” Gallen said.
“It’s been a pain in the backside, the whole build-up.”
Elsewhere on the card, Australian heavyweight star Joe Goodall is back in action after a loss to Justis Huni.
Goodall underwent a training camp in Las Vegas ahead of his fight against the prodigy, but has conducted pre-fight preparations at world title challenger Dennis Hogan’s gym in Brisbane.
Also fighting is Benjamin Hussain, as he takes on Lachie Higgins for the IBO Oceania-Orient middleweight title.
Hussain is on a four-fight win streak and is coming off an impressive victory over Wes Capper.
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
Junior Tafa v David Tuliloa
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
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