Veteran Justin Hodges has capped one of the great comebacks by being officially confirmed as Brisbane captain for the 2015 NRL season by coach Wayne Bennett.
Hodges, 32, was all but blacklisted by the Broncos after an ugly split with Bennett when he quit the club and signed with the Sydney Roosters in 2001.
However, Bennett only had eyes for Hodges when picking his new captain upon his return to the Broncos in 2015 after seven years away.
Hodges – who initially mended fences with the Broncos when he returned in 2005 – was chosen over Corey Parker and former captain Sam Thaiday to claim the Broncos reins.
Hodges and Parker shared the captaincy last season under previous coach Anthony Griffin.
“Justin led the club in a co-captain’s role last year but in 2015 will be the sole leader of the Broncos,” Brisbane CEO Paul White said.
“This is a sign of where he has come as both a professional athlete and a person over the last few years.
“I have enjoyed watching his development as a person and look forward to observing his leadership role continue to grow.”
dallas
Guest
My theory is that mcullough is pencilled in as long term skipper as he did captain the side in the WCS game. But at only 24, bennett may think that he is too young so he has put hodges in for the next two years..
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
Haha. Very good sir.
Bronco Juggernaut
Guest
Should be Ben Hunt, when Hodges retires it will be him anyway.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
In other news grass is green and Ian Thorpe is gay.
Renegade
Guest
They are both grubs.... best choice would have been McCullough.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
I don't like either of them. But shoulda gone with Parker
Johnnyball
Guest
Odd!
Hoy
Roar Guru
Strange move given his recent injuries... Likely he will need a stand in for a bit this year, and the club will seek its 4th or 5th captain in as many years when Hodges retires... Which can't be far off.