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Weary Test stars set to back up

Australia’s weary Test stars have been given the all clear with several set to back up for club duty less than 24 hours after crushing New Zealand 38-10 in Brisbane on Friday night.

The Kangaroos romped home seven tries to two, easing some of the pain of last year’s World Cup final loss to the Kiwis, but attention quickly turns back to the NRL for a host of players.

Teammates on Friday night, North Queensland halfback Johnathan Thurston and St George Illawarra fullback Darius Boyd, will wear rival jumpers when they clash in Townsville on Saturday night.

Glad to be back in the green and gold after missing the World Cup through injury, centre Justin Hodges – who along with Thurston scored a double against the Kiwis – also wasted little time in looking ahead.

“I was waiting for this chance since the World Cup and I was very happy with the way I played and really happy with how the team went,” Hodges said.

“Now I’m just looking forward to playing with the Broncos on Sunday and then for Queensland.”

Melbourne fullback Billy Slater emerged unscathed after going into the game with a dodgy ankle but Storm officials will see how he pulls up when he arrives in Gosford before declaring him fit to take on the Sydney Roosters on Monday.

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