The chance to make history as the NRL’s first indigenous premiership-winning coach is driving Justin Hodges’ quest to become a first-grade mentor.

Hodges hopes to have taken a big step toward becoming Brisbane’s NRL head coach after accepting the Maroons under-20s reins this year.

The 34-year-old – who played 24 State of Origin games before his NRL retirement at the end of 2015 – will replace Kurt Wrigley.

He will juggle the appointment with his other new role as Broncos under-20s assistant coach.

The former Test and Maroons centre admitted his new career move initially shocked a few people but revealed it would haunt him forever if he didn’t give it a go.

“People say ‘why’ but for me it is about giving back and trying to challenge myself,” Hodges told Queensland Rugby League Media.

“I don’t think there has been an indigenous coach who has won a competition.

“That’s something that is really important to me, to try and give it a go.

“Not having a go would haunt me for the rest of my life.”

Hodges believes he already has the tools to coach at the top level after time spent under greats such as Wayne Bennett and Mal Meninga but was happy to ease into his new career.

“Coaching is about man management because when you are dealing with elite athletes there are always egos and that type of stuff,” he said.

“One day I would love to coach the Broncos, there is no doubt about that.

“But at the moment I am happy to do my time, learn as much as I can and help some young guys reach their potential.”

Hodges said his first step would be to help the Maroons under-20s learn to love each other – and hate NSW.

“It’s important we have that mateship, learn to love each other and create that bond you see in the Queensland side,” Hodges said.

“And just teach them about the Origin history. You are born to hate NSW, to hate that blue jersey.

“Around Origin time if you see anyone in blue you want to get up and hit them – that is something I want to try and pass on to those guys.”

Hodges reckons he already has a 1-0 record over NSW under-20s coach Danny Buderus after a 2007 Origin sledge.

Hodges became a YouTube hit when he bagged then NSW hooker Buderus over being No.2 to Queensland rake Cameron Smith before the Maroons sealed a come-from-behind win in game one of the series.

“When you are playing great players you need to do something to put them off their game,” Hodges laughed.

“Danny is a wonderful bloke off the field but he is coaching NSW now so there’s going to be that bit of hatred again.”