Justin Hodges

Justin Hodges won premierships with two clubs; was a prominent member of a Queensland Origin dynasty and retired with an undefeated record in 13 Tests for Australia. He played nearly 300 games at club and representative level, despite injuries to knees, shoulders and two torn Achilles.

A natural athlete, he could cut through defensive lines with a sharp right foot step, or steal valuable metres out of dummy half, with jinking runs that left defenders running in circles.

Born in Cairns, he grew up playing junior rugby league with Cairns Kangaroos, and initially signed with the South Queensland Crushers Academy. When the Crushers folded, he joined the Broncos at the end of 1997, aged 16.

In 1999 he played for Queensland Under 19s. After playing for affiliate clubs, Brothers and Toowoomba, Hodges made his NRL debut for the Broncos in 2000. Much to the disappointment of coach, Wayne Bennett, Hodges switched to the Sydney Roosters in 2002, and it was from there he made his State of Origin debut at Brisbane's ANZ Stadium.

It was a night that tested Hodges' resolve, given he conceded two tries to the Blues with poorly directed passes in his own goal. Queensland won 26-18 to relieve some of Hodges' anxiety, although he took some time to recover, mentally.

He played centre in the Roosters' 30-8 win over the Warriors in the 2002 grand final, and the following year was widely regarded as the most devastating strike centre in the game.

Hodges returned to Origin football in 2003 as a centre, and went on to play a total of 24 games for his state. He was one of the first players picked in the golden era from 2006 to 2015.  After 58 games for the Roosters, Hodges returned to Brisbane in 2005.

He loved putting the Maroon jersey on and he just loves competing which you need at Origin level.

Mal Meninga FOG #4

In 2006, he won his second NRL premiership when the Broncos claimed a famous 16-13 victory over the Storm at ANZ Stadium, with Hodges at fullback. Later that year Hodges was selected to make his international debut for Australia in the Tri-Nations. Hodges made 178 NRL appearances for the Broncos between 2005-2015, retiring after Brisbane's heart breaking extra time grand final loss to the Cowboys. 

His representative career had also included selection in Indigenous All Stars teams. Hodges has coaching aspirations and has worked with Kevin Walters in Origin camp, and also at Redcliffe Dolphins and Souths Logan Magpies.

Hodges mentors Indigenous students as part of the 'Beyond Broncos Program'.