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.
Big j
Guest
I snapped him in half once back at the 96 Qld schoolboys carnival. He was the fullback for nq and I was the front rower for cq and he made the mistake of running at me. Just thought you like to know. All the best mate great career
Samtwocan
Guest
Can't stand the bloke .... Reminds me of the hate I had for "three knees Hancock" but I have to admit he's been a bloody effective player for whoever he pulled the jumper on for ...QLD will find it hard to fill his boots .
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Seeya later old No Soul Shark Eyes
KillaKanga
Roar Rookie
I wish Hodgo all the best , he has given his all for his state and country. Through the years he has supplied when necessary ...passion, skill , agression , speed and the uncanny ability to make 10-15 meters from dummy half even when the opposition knows what he intends to do. In short , he has been a warrior for his state and you can ask no more of a player ... and I'm a Blues Supporter from time immemorial . :-)
Paul
Roar Rookie
Good riddance to the grub. I hope Jennings pulls his pants down again and makes his last game as memorable as his first.