A super fit Justin Hodges wants to re-establish himself as rugby league’s premier centre in 2012.

Dogged by a chronic hamstring injury last year, which restricted him to 17 games, many of them on one leg, the 29-year-old is determined to repay Brisbane’s faith in re-signing him to a three-year deal last year.

“I’m in the best shape ever,” declared Hodges, a week out from the Broncos’ NRL season-opener against Parramatta.

“I’ve done a heap of long distance running to get some work into my legs which I haven’t done in previous years.

“My sidestep’s back – probably last year and before, I wasn’t really striding out.

“I’ve got that back now which is good.”

At his best, Hodges was up there alongside Greg Inglis as the most feared centre in the game.

With such a young backline in 2012 and a new halves combination with either Corey Norman or Ben Hunt taking over Darren Lockyer’s No.6 jumper, his experience, intimidation and match-winning ability will be crucial to the Broncos.

Hodges has pushed himself to the limit during the pre-season in a bid to dedicate 2012 to his idol, Arthur Beetson, whose death earlier this year left him shattered.

The State of Origin and Test veteran, however, was keeping out of the debate about whether Norman, who’s expected to be named at five-eighth against the Eels, or Hunt should inherit Lockyer’s role.

“It’s a hard job with a lot of pressure. They’re both great young players and we’ll have to wait and see who gets the nod,” he said.

“They’re massive boots to fill.

“They can’t go out there and try and be Darren Lockyer. They have to play their own game, and that’s all we’re asking of them.”

Hodges though said Norman had all the necessary tools to make the position his if he grabbed his opportunity early.

“His passing game, his thinking game, his running game and his defence are strong,” he said.

“He’s got all the qualities that a great five-eighth needs.”

Hodges, who played the third Origin game last year in Lockyer’s last appearance for Queensland, said he would like to build on his 11-Test career.

“I’d love to (play for Australia) but, obviously, I’m getting older and I’ve been there and done that,” he said.

“I don’t want to be one of those older players standing in the way of the young bloke coming through.

“If I’m playing good football for the Broncos and the selectors pick me, obviously I’d love to play.”