The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Justin Hodges next Broncos captain?

5th November, 2014
30

Captaincy might agree these days with Justin Hodges but the Broncos’ veteran believes Alex Glenn or Andrew McCullough will become the NRL club’s next long-term skipper.

Hodges, 32, admitted he did not think he would enjoy being skipper when unveiled as Brisbane’s first co-captain with Corey Parker for 2014 under former coach Anthony Griffin.

However, he savoured it so much he hoped to be Brisbane’s next sole skipper after Wayne Bennett abruptly scrapped the short-lived co-captaincy model on his return from a six-year hiatus.

“Definitely – I had a taste for it this year,” he said as Brisbane launched their pre-season on Wednesday.

“It’s a role I didn’t think I would enjoy, but I did, and running out in these colours is my passion.

“I love the club. I won a comp here before but to hold that trophy up at the end of the year as captain would probably be one of the greatest moments of my career.”

Hodges believed the 2015 captaincy nod would come down to himself, Parker and ex-skipper Sam Thaiday.

But Hodges reckoned their next long-term leader would be a choice between another duo – hard-running forward Glenn or workaholic hooker McCullough.

Advertisement

“Wayne will pick who he thinks is the best man for the job,” Hodges said when asked if he had tried to put in a good word with Bennett.

“For me, Cozza and Sammy – whoever he picks, the other two will just fall into line.

“Obviously, Lexy (Alex Glenn) and Andrew McCullough, I reckon, are our future captain.

“We have to lead them the best way we can so, when we hang our boots up, we know the future of the club is in good hands.”

Hodges is close with Bennett, rebuilding their relationship after a 2001 falling out when the classy centre was demoted mid-year for signing with the Sydney Roosters.

So he was not surprised when Bennett stamped his authority from the outset and dumped Griffin’s co-captaincy scheme as his first order of business.

“Wayne has always been a one-captain coach. You don’t want too many opinions,” Hodges smiled.

Advertisement

“His is the first that matters and then the captain.

“Wayne is coach and, whoever he picks as captain, we have to fall into line behind him with that common goal – to hold that trophy up next year.”

close