Hodkinson hopes to goalkick in grand final

Canterbury halfback Trent Hodkinson is confident of being able to goal-kick in Sunday’s grand final against South Sydney after a knee injury forced him to hand duties over to Tim Lafai against Penrith last week.

Hodkinson has endured an injury-ravaged two years but bounced back in magnificent fashion to enjoy a dream 2014 that’s culminated in a first grand final appearance of his career – three months after kicking NSW to State of Origin glory over Queensland.

The 26-year-old limped off down the tunnel against Manly in the elimination final two weeks ago but returned to the game to boot the winning field-goal in golden point against his former club.

But after only just being passed fit to face the Panthers last Saturday, Hodkinson said he’s been able to train better this week in his final game before going under the knife in the off-season.

“I am going to kickabout on Saturday,” Hodkinson said.

“It’s been a lot better this week on Monday and Tuesday last week I could hardly walk.

“It’s definitely a lot better and this week … I’ve done a bit of weights and I will be running whereas last week I was off it until match day.”

“I missed out on the grand final in 2012 and I am looking forward to the game.”

The news of skipper Michael Ennis is less encouraging with time running out for the Bulldogs’ talisman to lead his side out for the final time on the biggest stage of all.

Ennis, who also missed Brisbane’s 2006 win due to injury, attended the grand final lunch on Thursday in a moonboot and on crutches after suffering a fractured foot in the win over Penrith after Frank Pritchard fell on it while attempting to tackle James Segeyaro.

Although he hasn’t given up hope of facing South Sydney he’s almost resigned to watching from the sidelines.

“I certainly haven’t given up hope, I am just trying to enjoy the week, but it’s not looking good,” Ennis said.

“It’s disappointing the injury has come about this point in time. But I’ve been able to share the week with so many close mates and people I have built relationships with.”

Bulldogs coach Des Hasler was keeping his cards close to his chest regarding possible replacements with Damien Cook, Moses Mbye and Reni Maitua all in contention to start the game.

“We have a couple of options, Josh Jackson is a pretty smart player and filled in there on a few occasions,” Hasler said.

“Josh Reynolds has played there and we will look at all options.

“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”

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