Revitalised Hodges wants more Origin

A year ago Justin Hodges was contemplating retiring from representative rugby league.

That decision almost got taken out of the Queensland veteran’s hands last August when his left Achilles tendon snapped during an NRL match for Brisbane.

Over the next 11 months Hodges has rebuilt his body, been appointed as a co-captain of the Broncos, become a father and added three more State of Origin appearances to his CV.

It’s a turnaround which means those thoughts of calling a day on his Maroons career have long since been consigned to history.

“I’ve not got too many years left in footy but I want to come back next year and hopefully win the series,” the 32-year-old said following Wednesday’s Origin finale in Brisbane.

“We’ll assess it from there.”

It’s a far cry from Hodges’ disastrous Origin debut in 2002, when he threw wayward passes in Queensland’s in-goal area to gift NSW two tries and spent the next two years in exile.

Queensland coach Mal Meninga says it’s obvious how much the young man from 12 years ago has changed.

“Hodgo’s grown as a leader,” Meninga said.

“Within our group he’s talking more than he’s ever talked.

“He’s a valuable contributor to our team. This year I’ve just noticed his leadership qualities … he’s stepped up.”

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