Justin Hodge’s dominant career record against South Sydney highlights the enormous task Brisbane face following his late withdrawal from Friday night’s NRL match.
In a double blow, the Broncos lost Hodges (groin) and aggressive bench prop Josh McGuire (calf) on Thursday for the clash against Souths whose giant forwards bashed Manly into submission at Brookvale Oval last weekend.
Coach Anthony Griffin has turned to talented 22-year-old utility Jordan Kahu and inexperienced 21-year-old Jarrod Wallace, a former Gold Coast under-20s player who has played two NRL games for the Broncos, to stand in.
Hodges was close to playing but didn’t want to risk a possible long-term injury with State of Origin just over a month away.
“It’s almost ready but it’s too much risk,” the Broncos centre told AAP on Thursday.
“It’s a massive game to miss. I missed the Melbourne Storm one so I’ve missed the two biggest games of the year which is a pain in the backside.
“I can’t go out there if I’m not 100 per cent.”
Statistics underline how heavily the Broncos rely on their veteran centre’s experience, leadership and match-winning skills.
It was evident after he missed the entire 2010 NRL season with an achilles injury when Brisbane missed the finals for the first time since 1991.
Hodges has lined-up against Souths 11 times in his career for nine wins and two losses.
Since 2011 he’s played 40 games for Brisbane, winning 28 times for an impressive 70 per cent strike rate.
Of the 19 games he missed during that period, Brisbane have won only eight.
Kahu, who’s displayed remarkable tenacity in overcoming successive knee reconstructions, finally made his NRL debut in round four for Hodges against Melbourne.
After being heavily targeted early by the Storm, he showed a lot of promise.
Physically, at 95kg, he’s big enough to handle himself defensively but also has some quality ball skills in attack.
“He’s a great kid,” said Hodges of his young replacement.
“Some of the things he does at training with his speed and footwork are awesome so hopefully the boys can get him some early ball.”
Hodges said Kahu would be better for the experience of having played another NRL game in front of a huge crowd, against a very good side and opposite one of the game’s best players in Greg Inglis.
“It’ll be good for him and a good test to see where he is at,” he said.
“Whether he does well or does bad it doesn’t really matter.
“He’s going to go out there and do the best he can for the team and I’m sure he’ll do a great job.”