Granty
16-05-2006, 10:34 AM
http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/story/0,20797,19151221-5003409,00.html
Hodges wants redemption
Ben Dorries
May 16, 2006
http://thecouriermail.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,5154369,00.jpg
MY YEAR ... Justin Hodges, centre, flanked by teammates Johnathan Thurston, left, and Steve Price. Picture: David Kapernick
JUSTIN Hodges has vowed to redeem himself for some of State of Origin's most embarrassing bloopers by declaring "this is my year".
The powerful centre made an inglorious Origin debut in 2002 when he threw two wild in-goal passes that led to NSW tries, being hooked by coach Wayne Bennett for the final 20 minutes of the match.
Queensland Origin fans have still not seen the best of Hodges as he injured his knee in 2003 and had an unhappy night on the wing in 2004. The Bronco turned-Rooster turned-Bronco again has returned to his slashing best in 2006 and is understandably eager to put his chequered Origin past behind him.
"This is my year to put everything to bed," Hodges confidently declared.
"I've learnt from the past, plus I've got over it.
"Twice I've been picked (out of position) on the wing and once I've been in the centres when I got injured.
"Turning it all around this year and making the most of my opportunity is something I've been looking forward to.
"I'm in the best form of my career so I'm pretty confident coming into this series."
The Hodges of 2006 is a much more contented footballer than several years ago – he says his transfer back to the Broncos has worked wonders.
It may also have cost him an Australian jersey as there were suspicions that bad blood with Test coach Ricky Stuart, his former mentor at the Roosters, counted against him. He doesn't want to talk about that, preferring to focus on how his life in Brisbane has helped turn his football around and given him a chance at Origin redemption.
"Brisbane is pretty laid back and in Sydney it's fast moving and everything is always happening," Hodges said.
"I'm happy again now and that allows me to play good football. The best thing about being in this Queensland team is everyone is in the best form and there's heaps of good young players.
"It will be a very enjoyable time."
Hodges wants redemption
Ben Dorries
May 16, 2006
http://thecouriermail.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,5154369,00.jpg
MY YEAR ... Justin Hodges, centre, flanked by teammates Johnathan Thurston, left, and Steve Price. Picture: David Kapernick
JUSTIN Hodges has vowed to redeem himself for some of State of Origin's most embarrassing bloopers by declaring "this is my year".
The powerful centre made an inglorious Origin debut in 2002 when he threw two wild in-goal passes that led to NSW tries, being hooked by coach Wayne Bennett for the final 20 minutes of the match.
Queensland Origin fans have still not seen the best of Hodges as he injured his knee in 2003 and had an unhappy night on the wing in 2004. The Bronco turned-Rooster turned-Bronco again has returned to his slashing best in 2006 and is understandably eager to put his chequered Origin past behind him.
"This is my year to put everything to bed," Hodges confidently declared.
"I've learnt from the past, plus I've got over it.
"Twice I've been picked (out of position) on the wing and once I've been in the centres when I got injured.
"Turning it all around this year and making the most of my opportunity is something I've been looking forward to.
"I'm in the best form of my career so I'm pretty confident coming into this series."
The Hodges of 2006 is a much more contented footballer than several years ago – he says his transfer back to the Broncos has worked wonders.
It may also have cost him an Australian jersey as there were suspicions that bad blood with Test coach Ricky Stuart, his former mentor at the Roosters, counted against him. He doesn't want to talk about that, preferring to focus on how his life in Brisbane has helped turn his football around and given him a chance at Origin redemption.
"Brisbane is pretty laid back and in Sydney it's fast moving and everything is always happening," Hodges said.
"I'm happy again now and that allows me to play good football. The best thing about being in this Queensland team is everyone is in the best form and there's heaps of good young players.
"It will be a very enjoyable time."