Queensland veteran centre Justin Hodges has confirmed he will play for his beloved Maroons for the final time in the State of Origin decider in Brisbane on Wednesday night.
Queensland coach Mal Meninga and Maroons teammates had kept the door open for the 33-year-old Hodges to return to Origin next year if they lost the series to NSW.
However, Hodges says he won’t play again for Queensland no matter the result of his 23rd Origin game since his 2002 debut.
“I’m done,” said Hodges who is yet to decide whether he play on in the NRL next year for Brisbane.
Hodges said he had not been too emotional at Queensland’s Gold Coast camp but admitted he started to put the game in perspective on Sunday ahead of one of their final team pool sessions.
“There haven’t been too many tears but today really hit home with all the staff in the water,” he said.
“But I have made a decision and I am happy with it.
“It’s time for me to step aside and let someone else step through and have a chance.
“As hard as it is for me to say because you never want to give up your Queensland jersey, but I feel the time is right.
“The decision that I made based on spending more time with my family is right.”
Hodges had a nightmare Origin debut back in 2002 at the age of 19 when he twice gifted NSW tries with “hail Mary” passes in-goal.
He has since become a Queensland great and was a key to their record eight straight series streak that ended last year.
Hodges said he looked forward to one last battle against NSW rival Michael Jennings who was named man of the match after the Blues’ 26-18 game two win in Melbourne.
“It’s my job to try and stop him on Wednesday,” Hodges said.
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