With a full pre-season in injury-plagued Justin Hodges’ dodgy legs, Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin is anticipating an intimidating comeback from his star centre in 2012.
With champion five-eighth Darren Lockyer retired, Hodges is one player who can influence a game with his attack, defence or his renowned aggression.
Some critics have questioned the wisdom of re-signing a player who’s been dogged by hamstring issues for the past few seasons but Griffin is genuinely excited by the prospect of Hodges re-establishing himself as a world-class centre this year.
All eyes will be on Hodges when he turns out for the Indigenous All Stars on the Gold Coast in a fortnight after his 2011 NRL season was cut short by persistent hamstring problems.
“He’s got to start somewhere,” said Griffin, happy to let Hodges return in the annual All Stars game.
“He’s done a full pre-season for the first time in five or six years, I think,” added Griffin, who felt Hodges’ absence – when Lockyer was also injured last season – hurt Brisbane.
“He’s done everything, he hasn’t missed a training session and he hasn’t had a (hamstring) twinge.
“It’s a credit to him because he’s made some adjustments with our conditioning and medical staff doing a great job.”
Hodges played 17 games last season but was nursed through several of them because his presence was so important to Brisbane’s young side.
“The way he is training at the moment, he’ll play the All Star game and our last trial against Melbourne,” Griffin told AAP on Monday.
“Touch wood, he’ll be injury-free and ready to go for the season.
“The way he’s moving at the moment, he’s looking very good.
“Hopefully, he can peel off 20 games this season and full pelt and he wants to do that.”
“He’s very confident when he’s feeling right.
“He’s got that real aura about him and he can intimidate the opposition which is something that’s gone out of the game a bit.
“He’s certainly got that presence about him when he’s fit and wanting the ball in his hands.”
Hodges speaks his mind, even if it fires up the opposition and makes him unpopular.
“It’s not a concern for me as long as he gets the job done,” said Griffin.
“That’s with any player. If they get their job done and it doesn’t affect the team, they can play how they like.”