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.