Hodges aiming for Cowboys opener

Justin Hodges says he is confident about making a return to Brisbane colours against North Queensland in the NRL‘s opening round.

Hodges, 28, has been out of action since suffering a serious achilles injury in January last year during training.

After failing to recover in time for the end of last season, Hodges has high hopes of returning in time to face the Cowboys in early March.

“If I keep doing what I’m doing in terms of physio and stuff, and keep training well, I’m a chance for round 1 against the Cowboys,” Hodges told the Courier Mail.

“The Indigenous game was too soon. I’m trying to save myself for the Broncos because I haven’t played for them for a while. I think I owe them every game possible and they come first.

“I’m looking towards the trial at Redcliffe, but if not I certainly hope to be ready for round 1.”

Coach Ivan Henjak will be hopeful that Hodges will help spark the beleaguered Broncos, who last season failed to make the finals series since 1991.