Hodges recovery on track

Justin Hodges says his lengthy recovery from an achilles injury is almost complete, after joining his Brisbane team mates for training today.

Hodges, who was sidelined for the whole of 2010, took part in his first full Broncos running session at their Red Hill headquarters.

Progress has been slow for the Queensland and Australia centre, who had aimed to be fit for round 20 in last year’s competition.

But Hodges says the injury is improving.

“It is feeling good, and while the improvement has been slow, it is getting there now,” he said.

“It has been hard with everyone asking you every week how it is going, when the improvement comes month by month.

“But it is getting better all the time now.”

Hodges says he would like to play a part in the Broncos’ trial matches before the NRL kicks off on March 11 and is confident he will be back to his best.

“I’d like to play in one trial because I haven’t played for a year,” he said.

“I have come back from a knee reconstruction and a shoulder reconstruction, so I know I can do it.”