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Justin Hodges
Justin Hodges
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Justin Hodges (born 25 May 1982) is an Australian professional boxer and former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 2000s and 2010s. A Queensland State of Origin and Australian international representative centre, Hodges started his career in the National Rugby League with the Brisbane Broncos before moving to the Sydney Roosters, with whom he won the 2002 NRL Premiership, before returning to the Broncos in 2005, and winning the 2006 NRL Premiership. He also captained the Broncos.[4]

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Hodges was born in Cairns, Queensland on born 25 May 1982. He grew up there and played his junior rugby league for Cairns Kangaroos Juniors, as U11 Premiers in 1992, through to undefeated U16's in 1998, before being signed by the Brisbane Broncos.

Playing career

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2000

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In round 14 of the 2000 NRL season, Hodges made his debut in the National Rugby League for the Brisbane Broncos on the wing against the Canberra Raiders at Canberra Stadium. He played well, saving two tries in a losing 16-14 Broncos team.[5][6] In round 16 against the Melbourne Storm at Olympic Park, Hodges scored his first NRL career try in the Broncos 16–12 loss. Hodges finished his debut year in the NRL having played in 5 matches and scored 2 tries for the 2000 Brisbane Broncos season.

2001

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Hodges was promoted to the full-time NRL team for the 2001 Brisbane Broncos season, however only played in 12 matches and scored 4 tries for the club.[7] The Broncos failed to re-sign Hodges before 30 June anti-tampering date, which was to prevent clubs taking players from other clubs. Hodges then signed a three-year deal with the Sydney Roosters. Feeling betrayed by his defection,[8] Broncos coach Wayne Bennett told Hodges that his services were no longer required and pushed him back to the Broncos' feeder club, the Toowoomba Clydesdales.[9]

2002

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Hodges signed with the Sydney Roosters for the 2002 NRL season. In round 1 against the South Sydney Rabbitohs at SFS, Hodges made his club debut for the Sydney Roosters in the 40–6 win.[10] In Round 4 against the Northern Eagles at Brookvale Oval, Hodges scored his first and second club tries for the Roosters in the 28–22 loss.[11] During the 2002 season, Hodges made headlines for all the wrong reasons, which included a disastrous State of Origin debut where he threw two in goal passes which turned into tries for the opposing team even though Queensland won 26-18[12] He was also punched by Brisbane Broncos player Casey McGuire in the Roosters 16-12 preliminary final win at SFS.[13] On 6 October 2002, Hodges played at centre in the Sydney Roosters 2002 NRL Grand Final 30–8 victory against the New Zealand Warriors.[14] Hodges played in 26 matches and scored 11 tries for the 2002 Sydney Roosters season.

2003

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Having won the 2002 NRL Premiership, the Roosters travelled to England to play the 2003 World Club Challenge against Super League champions, St Helens R.F.C. Hodges played at centre in the Roosters 38–0 victory.[15] In Game 1 of the 2003 State of Origin series, Hodges suffered a serious knee injury, damaging the cruciate ligament in his left knee early in the second half of the match in Queensland's 25–12 loss.[16] The game was played at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium and Hodges considered legal action against the stadium for the poor state of the playing surface.[17] However, he decided not to take legal action against the stadium.[18] Hodges played in 11 matches and scored 8 tries for the Roosters in the 2003 NRL season.

2004

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In early 2004, Hodges broke up with his long-time girlfriend and was given two weeks sympathy leave from the Sydney Roosters.[19] Hodges caused further disruption to the Roosters when he missed a training session and club functions to spend time with his friends and family. After Hodges played in Game 1 of the 2004 State of Origin series in the Maroons 9–8 loss at ANZ Stadium,[20] Roosters coach Ricky Stuart put Hodges into the lower grade premier league.[21][22] Hodges however, made it back into the first grade Roosters team in round 12, scoring a hat-trick against the New Zealand Warriors in the Roosters 58–6 win at ANZ Stadium.[23] In the following week in round 13, Hodges was sent off for a high shot on Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs player and Queensland teammate Steve Price in the Roosters 40–12 loss at ANZ Stadium.[24] Hodges was subsequently suspended for 6 weeks. In mid 2004, Hodges went to Brisbane to talk to Broncos coach Wayne Bennett to seek a return to the Broncos. This was approved by Roosters boss Brian Canavan, but Roosters coach Stuart did not know that Hodges wanted a release from the club. After several off-field incidents, Hodges was expected to leave the Roosters mid-season and go to the Broncos, but the Broncos did not want this.[21][22] On 4 October 2004, Hodges played for the Roosters at centre in their 2004 NRL Grand Final 16–13 loss against cross-Sydney rivals, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.[25] Hodges played in 21 matches and scored 7 tries in his last year with the Sydney Roosters.

2005

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After the feud between coach Bennett and Hodges earlier in 2001, some critics felt that Hodges would not be able to fit well into the Broncos team. But during an off season camp, Hodges and Bennett sorted things out and all Hodges wanted to do was play rugby league. Hodges stated that he did not regret going to Sydney, but felt it was time to go home back to Brisbane.[26] Former Brisbane Broncos captain Gorden Tallis backed Hodges return to the Broncos, despite some fans questioning the merits in which Hodges returned.[27] Hodges's return caused a problem for the Broncos. They now had three centres, while only two could play in that position. Hodges, Shaun Berrigan and Brent Tate were left to contend for the two centre positions. For the early rounds of 2005, Hodges was forced to play on the wing, with Tate and Berrigan in the centres. Hodges had his Broncos return match in round 1 against the North Queensland Cowboys on the wing in the Broncos 29–16 win at Suncorp Stadium.[28] In round 3 against his former club the Sydney Roosters at SFS, Hodges scored his first try as a Bronco again in the 40–22 win.[29] In Round 7 against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Remondis Stadium, Brent Tate suffered a shoulder injury allowing Hodges to play in his preferred position of centre in the Broncos' 16–12 win.[30] In Round 24 against the Penrith Panthers, Hodges suffered ligament damage in his right knee during the Broncos 22–20 loss at Penrith Stadium.[31] Hodges later returned for the Broncos in their last match against the Wests Tigers at SFS in the Broncos 34-6 semi-finals loss.[32] The Broncos were knocked out of the finals, after losing seven straight matches. Hodges played in 19 matches and scored 11 tries his return year with the Broncos in the 2005 NRL season.

2006

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In 2006, Hodges started the season playing in the centre position and continued to play there for the first 10 rounds of the competition. However injury plagued him over the next 10 rounds, only playing one game for the Broncos in those rounds. Despite this, Hodges was selected to play for Queensland in the first two games of their 2006 State of Origin series win, the first of what would become a record consecutive run. In the second game he intercepted a NSW pass and ran 85 metres to score a try in the 30–6 win at Suncorp Stadium.[33] However, injury sidelined him for over 3 weeks including the 3rd State of Origin match, before he made his return against the North Queensland Cowboys, a game that the Broncos lost 26–10 at 1300SMILES Stadium.[34] The Broncos form continued to slide, until coach Wayne Bennett moved Hodges from the centres to fullback, in place of injured teammate Karmichael Hunt. The team cast off their slump and made it into the 2006 NRL Grand Final, Hodges' third in five seasons. Facing minor premiers Melbourne Storm, Hodges was selected to play at fullback. In the 20th minute, off the back of a skilful Darren Lockyer inside pass, Hodges scored a try and Brisbane went on to win the grand final 15–8.[35] Hodges played in 20 matches, scored 10 tries and kicked a goal for the Broncos in the 2006 NRL season. At the end of 2006, Hodges went on to play for Australia in the 2006 Tri-Nations Series. Hodges making his Australia national debut against New Zealand at centre in the Kangaroos 30–18 win at Mt Smart Stadium.[36] In the Kangaroos 33–10 victory over Great Britain, Hodges scored his international try at Suncorp Stadium.[37] Hodges played at centre in the last match against New Zealand in which Australia won 16–12 in golden point extra time at SFS.[38]

2007

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Due to the Broncos winning the grand final, Hodges, along with the rest of the team, travelled to England to play the 2007 World Club Challenge. Hodges played in the centres for the trial match against the Crusaders, which they won 32–6. Hodges scored an intercept try just before halftime, in the trial match.[39] In the World Club Challenge against St Helens RLFC, the Broncos lost the match 18–14.[40] With Karmichael Hunt playing in the halves, Hodges was moved to fullback for the first two rounds of the 2007 season. When Hunt was showing poor form in the halves he was moved back to fullback, and Hodges moved back into the centres for Round 3, in that round against the Penrith Panthers, Hodges equalled the Broncos club record of scoring four tries in a match in the Broncos 29-28 golden point extra time loss at Suncorp Stadium.[41] Hodges was selected for the 2007 ANZAC Test against New Zealand at centre in the Kangaroos 30–6 win at Suncorp Stadium.[42] Hodges played in all three games for Queensland in the 2007 State of Origin series. Hodges scored one try in the third game in the 18–4 loss at Suncorp Stadium even though Queensland won the series 2–1.[43] Despite being sidelined for several weeks due to a knee injury, Hodges finished the season as the Broncos top try-scorer with 12 tries in 19 matches and was Dally M Centre of the Year.

2008

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Hodges was selected for Australia in the 2008 ANZAC Test match against New Zealand at centre in the Kangaroos 28–12 win at SCG.[44] Hodges played in Game 1 of the 2008 State of Origin series in the Maroons 18–10 loss at ANZ Stadium.[45] Queensland later won the series 2–1. In August 2008, Hodges was named in the preliminary 46-man Kangaroos squad for the 2008 World Cup.[46] In Round 21 against the Canberra Raiders at Suncorp Stadium, Hodges copped a 2-week suspension for giving referee Tony Archer a "up yours" gesture behind his back after he was penalised for a strip on Raiders winger Colin Best in the Broncos 34–6 win.[47][48] In round 26 against the Newcastle Knights, Hodges showed his true toughness in the Broncos 24–2 win at Suncorp Stadium by taking to the field with severe eye infection and an undisclosed illness. Hodges finished the 2008 NRL season with him playing in 14 matches and scoring 7 tries for the Broncos. On 7 October 2008, Hodges was selected in the final 24-man Australia squad.[49] On 14 October 2008, Hodges was ruled out of the World Cup after finding he needed shoulder surgery, facing up to six months recovery.[50]

2009

[edit]

Hodges was selected for Australia in the 2009 ANZAC Test match against New Zealand at centre, scoring 2 tries in the Kangaroos 38–10 win at Suncorp Stadium.[51] In April 2009, he was named in the preliminary 25-man squad to play for Queensland in the opening game of the 2009 State of Origin series,[52] and was subsequently picked at centre for the opening State of Origin match. Hodges injured his leg during the first half, and whilst on the sideline for the remainder of the match, New South Wales scored all their tries in the 28–18 win at Etihad Stadium which Phil Gould later referred to as "no coincidence".[53] In Game 3 in the Maroons 28–16 loss at Suncorp Stadium, Hodges was heavily involved in an altercation with several other QLD and NSW players only 2 minutes before full-time. TV broadcasts clearly showed Hodges 'egging' NSW players on to fight, following an incident between Steve Price and Brett White (and later Trent Waterhouse and Justin Poore). Hodges later told reporters that he believed what Justin Poore did (lifting an unconscious Price up off the ground) to be a "dog act". Hodges also scored a try in the match.[54] Hodges finished the 2009 NRL season with him playing 18 matches and scoring 3 tries for the Broncos. In October 2009, Hodges travelled to England as part of Australia's squad for the 2009 Four Nations tournament, playing in 3 matches including playing at centre in the Kangaroos 46–16 win in the Four Nations Final against England at Elland Road.[55]

2010

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Hodges ruptured his Achilles tendon during pre-season training, and subsequently missed the entire 2010 NRL season.[56] Hodges also missed being part of Queensland's victorious Origin campaign in which it won for the fifth year in succession.

2011

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Hodges was expected to return within the first few rounds of the 2011 season after playing successfully in two pre-season trials. In Round 3, Hodges made his return in a 'local derby' match against the Gold Coast Titans at Robina Stadium where he scored the match-winning try in the Broncos 14–8 win.[57] Hodges form in the early part of the season rewarded him with selection at centre in the 2011 ANZAC Test in the Kangaroos 20–10 win at Robina Stadium.[58] On 11 May 2011, Hodges extended his contract with the Broncos to the end of the 2014 season.[59] Injury was still affecting Hodges, as he was ruled out for several more games. Hodges missed the first two games of the 2011 State of Origin series, however made his return in the third game sending his club, state and national captain, Darren Lockyer out on an Origin high as the Maroons won 34–24 at Suncorp Stadium.[60] In Round 21 against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, Hodges scored a hat-trick, two tries of which were set up by Darren Lockyer in the Broncos 46–16 win at Suncorp Stadium.[61] Hodges finished the 2011 NRL season with him playing 17 matches and scoring 8 tries for the Broncos.

2012

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Hodges was selected for the Indigenous All Stars against the NRL All Stars at Robina Stadium at centre in the 36–28 loss.[62] In the 2012 ANZAC Test against New Zealand, Hodges was selected to play at centre in the Kangaroos 20–12 win at Eden Park.[63] In the 2012 State of Origin series, Hodges played at centre in all three matches for Queensland, scoring a try in the third and deciding game in the Maroons 21–20 win at Suncorp Stadium,[64] resulting Queensland winning the 2012 Series 2–1. Following the 2012 Season and the signing of Scott Prince, Hodges revealed that he wanted to shift from Centre to the Fullback role for the Broncos club (for the 2013 Season); after being inspired by a breakout season from his Queensland Maroons and Australian Kangaroos Test team-mate Greg Inglis (who made a switch from Centre to Fullback in the 2012 Season).[65] Hodges finished the 2012 NRL season with him playing in 18 matches and scoring 5 tries for the Broncos.

2013

[edit]

Hodges spent most of the 2013 Season playing in the centres but spent some time playing a bit of Fullback for the club as well. Hodges was selected to play in the 2013 ANZAC Test for Australia at centre, scoring a try in the second half in the Kangaroos 32–12 victory against New Zealand at Canberra Stadium.[66] Hodges featured in the Queensland's successful 2013 State of Origin series, in Game 2, Hodges was sin-binned for fighting in the Maroons 26–6 win at Suncorp Stadium.[67] In the third and deciding game, Hodges scored a try in the Maroons 12–10 win, also in the match made a funny remark on loud audio to referee Shayne Hayne saying to him "I’ll buy you a beer" to allow a disallowed Matt Scott try when origin streaker Wati Holmwood interrupted play by running an almost 100 metres naked.[68] In August, following Broncos team-mate Corey Norman's axing from the Broncos line-up (of the final games of the 2013 season) Hodges and Josh Hoffman took turns playing Fullback and in the Centres, rotating/interchanging between these 2 positions. However, Hodges season ended prematurely after a snapped left Achilles which he suffered in the Round 22 home clash against the St George Illawarra Dragons in the Broncos 26–24 win at Suncorp Stadium.[69] Hodges finished the 2013 NRL season with him playing in 14 matches and scoring 6 tries for the Broncos. During the NRL post-season, in October Hodges mentioned that team-mate and Kiwi-international Test player Josh Hoffman was not the right player to play fullback for the Broncos and backed Ben Barba in the Fullback role for the club.[70]

2014

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In January 2014 Hodges, along with Corey Parker was named as co-captain for the 2014 Brisbane Broncos season, succeeding from Sam Thaiday.[71] Hodges missed the first few weeks of the season, due to the injury he suffered in the 2013 season. During his stint watching the Broncos play from the sidelines, Hodges mentioned that club team-mate and Kiwi-Test player Josh Hoffman was playing his best footy at Five-eighth and that he was very impressed with the way Hoffman was playing in the Broncos No. 6 Jersey.[72] On 22 April 2014, Hodges signed a new 2-year deal extension with the Broncos keeping him at the club until at the end of the 2016 season.[73] Hodges was expected to return from his injury, in Round 6 of the season, however he made his comeback early, playing in the Broncos Round 5 home game against the Parramatta Eels off the interchange bench in the Broncos 25–18 loss at Suncorp Stadium.[74] Hodges played at centre in all 3 matches of the 2014 State of Origin series. In Round 24 against the Newcastle Knights at Suncorp Stadium, Hodges played in the fullback position for the injured Josh Hoffman in the Broncos rampaging 48–6 win (Lachlan Maranta was originally named at fullback but switched to the wing and Dale Copley making a moved to the centres),[75] that was the first time that Hodges played at fullback since Round 26 in the 2007 NRL season in the Broncos 68–22 loss to the Parramatta Eels at Parramatta Stadium. Hodges finished off the 2014 NRL season with him playing in 17 matches and scoring 2 tries for the Broncos. On 15 September 2014, Hodges was selected for the Australia Kangaroos 2014 Four Nations train-on squad but later withdrew from injury.[76][77]

2015

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On 13 February 2015, Hodges was selected at centre for the Indigenous All Stars in the 2015 Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars match at Robina Stadium. The Indigenous side won 20–6 over the NRL All Stars.[78] On 27 February 2015, Hodges was named as the solo captain of the Broncos for the 2015 season by coach Wayne Bennett.[79] On 25 April 2015, Hodges announced that he would retire from representative duties at the conclusion of the year in order to focus solely on playing for the Broncos.[80][81] In what was his final State of Origin series, Hodges featured for Queensland in all three matches of the 2015 State of Origin series. In Game Three of the series, in what was his final State of Origin match for Queensland, Hodges scored the final points of the match, converting Aidan Guerra's 78th minute try in an eventual 52–6 win in front of a record crowd of 52,500 at Suncorp Stadium.[82] On 10 August 2015, Hodges announced that he would retire from Rugby League at the end of the season.[83] In the Broncos Preliminary Finals match against the Sydney Roosters, Hodges played his 250th NRL match and also was placed on report for a lifting tackle on Aidan Guerra in the Broncos 31–12 win at Suncorp Stadium.[84] Hodges had a nervous wait in the lead up to the Broncos Grand Final against Queensland rivals the North Queensland Cowboys while waiting for a decision at the NRL Judiciary to see if he can complete his fairytale swansong with a possible Grand Final win. Dale Copley was named as 18th man as cover for Hodges but on 29 September 2015, Hodges was cleared to play in the Grand Final after being found not guilty of a grade one dangerous throw.[85][86] On 4 October 2015, in the Broncos Queensland derby 2015 NRL Grand Final against the North Queensland Cowboys, Hodges played his last match of his NRL career match at centre and captained the Broncos in the historic golden point 17–16 loss.[87][88][89] Hodges and Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston were noted as the first two Indigenous players to captain a grand final team.[90][91] Hodges finished his last season in the NRL with him playing in 20 matches and scoring 3 tries for the Brisbane Broncos in the 2015 NRL season.

Statistics

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Year Team Games Tries Goals Pts
2000 Brisbane Broncos 5 2 8
2001 12 4 16
2002 Sydney Roosters 26 11 44
2003 11 8 32
2004 21 7 28
2005 Brisbane Broncos 19 11 44
2006 20 10 1 42
2007 19 12 48
2008 14 7 28
2009 18 3 12
2011 17 8 32
2012 18 5 20
2013 14 6 24
2014 17 2 8
2015 20 3 12
Totals 251 99 1 398

Boxing career

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On 9 February 2019, Hodges made his boxing debut against former furniture removalist Rob Baron who was also making his boxing debut. Hodges won the fight after just 75 seconds knocking out Baron.[92]

In his second fight, Hodges faced New Zealand boxer Troy McMahon. Hodges won the fight in 23 seconds, knocking out McMahon. Hodges came under media and fan backlash after the fight due to Hodges choice of opponent. Hodges responded to the criticism saying "I don't care about the crowd, the crowd doesn't bother me. I've spent 18 years playing the game of rugby league, They are the one booing, but they should get in the ring and have a go themselves".[93]

In his third fight, Hodges opponent was rugby league player Darcy Lussick who was making his boxing debut. Hodges was knocked out by Lussick within the first 39 seconds of the fight.[94][95][96][97]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Justin Hodges (born 25 May 1982) is an Australian former professional footballer of Aboriginal and Islander descent who played as a centre in the (NRL), primarily for the and , amassing 251 first-grade appearances between 2000 and 2015. He represented in 24 matches, contributing to eight series victories, and earned 13 caps for , including appearances in the 2006 Tri-Nations and 2009 Four Nations tournaments. After retiring from , Hodges pursued a career starting in 2019, compiling a record of 5 wins and 3 losses as of 2022, and later served as an assistant coach for the and head coach of the state's under-20s side. Hodges began his NRL career with the Broncos in 2000, winning premierships with the club in that year and again in 2006, before moving to the Roosters for (2002–2004), where he secured another title in 2002 and a in 2003. His debut came in 2002 amid a challenging performance, but he rebounded strongly in 2006 with a pivotal intercept try that helped launch Queensland's dominant era, playing a key role in series wins through 2015, including his final match where Queensland set a record 52–6 victory margin. Internationally, he debuted for in 2006 during the Tri-Nations triumph and later featured in Anzac Tests and the Four Nations. Off the field, Hodges was recognized as the NRL's Dally M Centre of the Year in and has been an advocate for Indigenous communities, hosting the TV show League Nation Live post-retirement. In 2022, Hodges appeared on the SBS series Who Do You Think You Are?, uncovering his dual Indigenous heritage: Aboriginal roots on his mother's side tracing to the Jirrbal people and Stolen Generations survivor Dolly, and Torres Strait Islander connections on his father's side to Waiben () and Poruma. This exploration addressed his post-NRL identity crisis and strengthened his commitment to cultural education for his family and youth through programs like Beyond the Broncos. His transition to has been framed as a way to inspire Indigenous kids, drawing on his resilience from a career marked by injuries and triumphs.

Early life

Childhood in Cairns

Justin Hodges was born on 25 May 1982 in Cairns, , , the youngest of three sons to parents and Hodges. His brothers, and Desmond, grew up alongside him in the family home in this regional coastal city in . The Hodges family provided a supportive environment during his early years, with his parents encouraging his development amid the laid-back, tropical lifestyle characteristic of the area. Growing up in Cairns, Hodges attended Trinity Bay High School, where he engaged in typical school activities within a close-knit community setting. Beyond academics, he developed a keen interest in , spending time at local beaches that highlighted the region's outdoor-oriented culture and natural surroundings. This childhood in a regional town fostered a grounded perspective, shaped by family closeness and the casual pace of life in tropical . At the age of 16, Hodges left school to pursue opportunities, briefly working as a storeman for six months before committing to a development contract. This decision reflected the direct pathway from his Cairns upbringing to broader prospects, marking the end of his formal education and the start of his transition into .

Junior rugby league career

Hodges began his organised journey in , playing for the Cairns Kangaroos junior club, where he developed his skills as a winger and fullback. His performances in local competitions caught the attention of scouts, leading to his recruitment by the . Supported by his family in Cairns, Hodges relocated to to pursue higher-level opportunities. At age 16, Hodges left school and signed a four-year development contract with the Broncos, marking a significant step in his talent pathway. To balance his early professional transition, he worked part-time as a storeman while adapting to the demands of elite training. He initially competed in colts-level matches with Western Suburbs and later gained experience in the with the Broncos' feeder club, the Clydesdales, honing his adaptation to more competitive environments. Hodges represented in under-age schoolboy competitions through the Queensland Secondary Schools (QSSRL), earning selection from Trinity Bay High School. In 1999, his standout form led to a call-up for the Australian Schoolboys team, where he played as a centre on their undefeated tour of , , and —a key junior milestone that showcased his emerging international potential. During the tour, he contributed notably, including scoring tries in high-stakes matches against strong opposition.

Personal life

Family background

Justin Hodges was born on 25 May 1982 in Cairns, , to parents and Cheryl Hodges, as the youngest of their three sons. His father, , worked as a coach for junior teams in the local community. The family maintained a close-knit dynamic, with Hodges often describing a particularly strong bond with his mother, whom he affectionately referred to as central to his emotional support growing up. When Hodges was 15 years old, his mother Cheryl was diagnosed with stomach cancer, a challenging period that tested the family's resilience and deepened their unity. Cheryl underwent treatment and recovered, but the experience significantly shaped Hodges' values, fostering a profound sense of perseverance and family loyalty that influenced his approach to personal challenges throughout life. His two older brothers contributed to a supportive sibling environment during this time, though they largely maintained private lives outside of family matters. Hodges is married to Gyanne Hodges, with whom he shares a long-term partnership focused on stability. The couple has two children: a son, Carter, born in 2013, and a , Milane, born in 2017. Post-retirement from , Hodges has emphasized quality time with his wife and children as a core aspect of his daily , often prioritizing family outings and home-based activities in . Beyond family, Hodges has developed an interest in , transitioning to professional bouts in 2019 as a means to stay physically active and channel his competitive energy. This pursuit reflects his broader non-sporting hobbies centered on fitness and personal discipline, while early family trials like his mother's illness reinforced his commitment to resilience in everyday endeavors.

Heritage discovery

In 2022, former player Justin Hodges participated in the SBS/NITV documentary series Who Do You Think You Are?, embarking on a personal research journey to uncover his Indigenous family roots on both his mother's Aboriginal side and his father's Islander side. This exploration revealed that several family members were part of the Stolen Generations, a dark chapter in Australian history involving the forced removal of Indigenous children from their families. On his mother's side, Hodges learned the story of his great-grandmother, Dorothy (Dolly), who was removed as a child in the early 1900s from her Jirrbal mother, Minnie, and placed in the Yarrabah mission on Queensland's far north coast. Minnie had been taken advantage of by a white man named Samuel Smith, leading to Dolly's adoption by his sister and a complete severance from her Aboriginal cultural ties, resulting in profound disconnection across generations. Hodges described this revelation as "one of the hardest parts of the story," evoking deep emotional distress as he imagined the trauma of his own children being taken away, and he called the overall discoveries "mind-blowing." This knowledge amplified an existing identity crisis Hodges experienced after retiring from the NRL in 2015, where the loss of his athletic routine left him grappling with a sense of purpose, now compounded by the historical erasure of his cultural heritage. The journey also extended to his father's lineage, tracing connections to Poruma Island in the , where Hodges visited ancestral lands and discovered the burial site of his great-great-grandmother's , symbolizing deep familial ties. In a moving reconnection ritual, Jirrbal Elders welcomed him as "son" and involved him in a traditional by the River, fostering a profound sense of belonging. Hodges has since committed to ongoing efforts to reclaim his Indigenous identity, including educating his children—son Carter and daughter Milane—about their heritage to instill pride and cultural awareness, stating that he is "starting to feel that identity that’s been missing for so long." This process has broader implications for Hodges, providing emotional healing and a renewed connection to Indigenous communities.

Club career

First stint with Brisbane Broncos (2000–2001)

Justin Hodges made his (NRL) debut for the on 8 May 2000, during Round 14 against the , at the age of 17, becoming the youngest player in the club's history. The opportunity arose due to an injury to star winger , allowing the promising talent from Cairns to step up from the Broncos' under-21s squad. In his debut season, Hodges appeared in five games, primarily on the wing, and scored two tries as he began adapting to the professional level. During the 2001 season, Hodges featured in 12 matches for the Broncos, scoring four tries while alternating between and centre positions. As a young player thrust into a competitive environment dominated by established stars, he faced challenges in securing consistent playing time and adjusting to the physical and tactical demands of first-grade rugby, which limited his overall exposure during this period. Over his initial two years with the club, Hodges played a total of 17 games and scored six tries, reflecting his early development amid a steep learning curve. In late 2001, Hodges signed a lucrative contract with the , prompting Broncos coach Wayne Bennett to drop him to reserve grade for the remainder of the season in a move widely regarded as controversial. Bennett felt betrayed by the decision, leading to Hodges' abrupt release from the club ahead of the 2002 season and straining their relationship at the time. This marked the end of his first stint with the Broncos, after which he transitioned to the for further opportunities.

Sydney Roosters (2002–2004)

Hodges joined the ahead of the 2002 NRL season, signing with the club to secure a first-grade centre position after limited opportunities at the . Building on the foundational skills gained from his early professional experience, he quickly established himself as a key backline player under coach , who emphasized disciplined team structures and aggressive defence. In his debut season, Hodges featured in 26 games, crossing for 11 tries, and played a pivotal role in the Roosters' campaign. The highlight of Hodges' 2002 tenure came in the on 6 October against the at , where the Roosters secured a 30–8 victory to claim the premiership and end a 27-year title drought. Hodges started at centre in the decider, contributing to the team's dominant performance alongside forwards like and , with Stuart's tactical focus on structured attacks enabling the backline's potency. The win marked Hodges' first major club trophy and showcased his growth into a reliable outside back capable of breaking lines and supporting playmakers. Entering 2003, Hodges helped the Roosters defend their status as world champions by defeating outfit St Helens 38–0 in the on 16 February at the Reebok Stadium in , , where he started at centre and aided the shutout victory through solid midfield defence. However, his season was curtailed after suffering a season-ending —a ruptured —that required and sidelined him for the remainder of the year, limiting him to just 11 appearances and 8 tries. Stuart's management of the squad's depth during this period maintained competitiveness, with the team reaching the preliminary finals despite the blow. Hodges returned in 2004 following a brief period of personal leave to address off-field matters, reintegrating into the team under Stuart's supportive leadership, which prioritized player welfare alongside performance demands. He played 21 games that year, scoring 7 tries, and formed a dynamic centre partnership that bolstered the Roosters' push to the Grand Final. On 26 September at , the Roosters fell short in a 16–13 loss to the , with Hodges featuring prominently but unable to prevent the narrow defeat in a tightly contested match defined by strong forward battles. Over his three seasons with the Roosters, Hodges developed into a centre, playing 58 games and scoring 26 tries while contributing to a period of sustained success under Stuart's coaching philosophy, which fostered resilience and backline cohesion.

Second stint with Brisbane Broncos (2005–2015)

Hodges returned to the in 2005 after three seasons with the Sydney Roosters, reconciling with coach Wayne Bennett to resume his career at the club where he began. He featured in 19 games that year, scoring 11 tries and contributing significantly to the team's attack from the centres. In 2006, Hodges played a key role in the Broncos' NRL Premiership victory, appearing in 20 games and crossing for 10 tries along with 1 goal. His performance in the grand final included a try in the 15-8 win over the . The following year, 2007, saw Hodges earn the Dally M Centre of the Year award after a standout season with 19 games and 12 tries. However, his 2008 campaign was curtailed by a injury requiring reconstruction, limiting him to 14 games and 7 tries while ruling him out of the . Hodges represented in the 2009 Four Nations tournament during a season where he played 18 games for the Broncos, scoring 3 tries. A ruptured in pre-season training sidelined him for the entire , marking his first full-year absence. He made a strong comeback in 2011 with 17 games and 8 tries. The next year, 2012, Hodges was selected for the Indigenous All Stars team and played 18 games for , adding 5 tries to his tally. Injuries persisted into 2013 when Hodges suffered another Achilles rupture in Round 22 against the , restricting him to 14 games and 6 tries. Despite the setback, he returned in 2014 to share co-cy duties, featuring in 17 games and scoring 2 tries while providing leadership to the squad. Appointed sole for , Hodges announced his on 10 , opting to end his contract early after 16 NRL seasons. He played his final 20 games that year, scoring 3 tries, with his career concluding in the loss to the on 4 October. Over his second stint with the Broncos from 2005 to 2015, Hodges appeared in 176 games and scored 67 tries, demonstrating resilience amid recurring injuries. In his later years, his captaincy emphasized mentorship and team unity, helping guide younger players through challenging seasons despite the physical toll.

Representative career

Queensland Maroons

Justin Hodges made his State of Origin debut for the Queensland Maroons in Game 2 of the 2002 series, coming on as a centre but enduring a challenging introduction marked by two errant passes in-goal that directly led to tries for , despite Queensland's 26-18 victory. Hodges retained his spot for Game 3, which ended in an 18-18 draw to level the series 1-1-1, with Queensland retaining the Origin shield as defending champions; Game 1 had been a 32-4 win. Hodges featured in Game 1 of the series but suffered a severe injury at Suncorp Stadium, damaging his on the uneven playing surface, which sidelined him for the remainder of the series and much of the following year. He returned to the in 2004, playing two games as lost the series 2-1, before a one-year absence in 2005 due to ongoing recovery and club commitments. Resuming in 2006, Hodges played a key role in the centres during 's 2-1 series victory, forming effective partnerships with halves including to help end ' two-year dominance. His contributions continued in the 2007 and 2008 series (both 2-1 wins for ) and the 2009 decider, where the triumphed 10-6 to claim another series. After missing 2010, Hodges returned for the 2011 series, playing in Queensland's 2-1 win, and was instrumental in the campaign, starting at centre in all three matches and scoring a crucial try in the 21-12 Game 3 victory that secured the series for the . He featured in every game of the and 2014 series (both 2-1 wins) before capping his Origin career in with two appearances in another 2-1 triumph, retiring after a dominant 52-6 Game 3 win. Over his 24 appearances from 2002–2004 and 2006–2015, Hodges scored 5 tries for 22 points, contributing to 13 victories against 11 losses, with a 54% win rate. As a proud Queenslander born and raised in Cairns, Hodges embodied the resilience and passion of the , often citing the jersey's emotional weight as a driving force in his tenacious defensive style and commitment to the team's success.

Australian Kangaroos

Justin Hodges made his international debut for the Australian Kangaroos on 14 October 2006, during the opening match of the Tri-Nations series against at in , where Australia secured a 30–18 victory. His selection came after a standout performance in the with the , highlighting his robust defensive work and ability to break lines in the centres. Hodges featured in all four of Australia's matches in the 2006 Tri-Nations, including the group stage win over (33–10) and the final against (16–12 in extra time), contributing to Australia's tournament triumph with a try in one of the games and consistent tackling that helped neutralize opposition attacks. Hodges' strong showings in paved the way for further international opportunities, leading to his inclusion in subsequent Anzac Tests. He played in the 2007 Anzac Test against (Australia 30–6 win), where his partnership with wingers like Matt King bolstered the backline's structure. In the 2008 Anzac Test (28–12 win over ), Hodges provided key defensive reads, limiting the Kiwis to minimal penetration through the centres despite facing a revamped lineup. His most notable performance came in the 2009 Anzac Test at Suncorp Stadium, scoring two tries in Australia's dominant 38–10 victory and earning man-of-the-match honors for his probing runs and offloads that created space for teammates like . In the 2009 Four Nations tournament, Hodges appeared in three matches for , starting with a –20 draw against , followed by a 26–16 win over , and culminating in the final where defeated 46–16 to claim the title. Despite the high competition for centre positions from players like and , Hodges was selected for his experience and tackling efficiency, often exceeding 15 tackles per game in these s. He returned for the 2012 Anzac ( –12 win over ) and the 2013 Anzac (32–18 win), bringing to the backline amid injuries to other centres. Over his international career spanning 2006 to 2013, Hodges played 13 Test matches for the , scoring 4 tries for a total of 16 points, with a win rate of 92.31% (12 wins, 1 draw). His contributions emphasized defensive solidity, averaging over 12 tackles per match, and opportunistic attacking plays in high-stakes tournaments that solidified Australia's dominance in during that era.

Other representative appearances

Hodges represented the Indigenous All Stars in three matches, commencing in 2011. Selected at centre for the inaugural Indigenous All Stars team, he featured in the February 2011 clash at Gold Coast's Skilled Stadium, where the side fell to the NRL All Stars by a score of 28-12. In the 2013 encounter at Suncorp Stadium, Hodges again lined up in the centres as the Indigenous team secured a dominant 32-6 victory, marking a significant moment in the fixture's history by evening the series. His final appearance came in 2015 at Cbus Super Stadium, where, playing centre once more, he contributed to a 20-6 victory over the NRL All Stars. Beyond these exhibition games, Hodges was named in Australia's squad for the but was forced to withdraw prior to the tournament due to a shoulder injury requiring reconstruction surgery. This selection highlighted his recognition at the international level, tying into his broader representative credentials. Through his involvement in the Indigenous All Stars, Hodges played a key role in promoting Indigenous participation in , often expressing pride in the cultural platform the matches provided for Aboriginal and Islander players and communities. He emphasized the jersey's deeper meaning, urging younger players to cherish its significance in fostering unity and visibility for Indigenous talent.

Career statistics

NRL club statistics

Justin Hodges played a total of 251 games in the (NRL) across his career with the and , scoring 99 tries, 1 goal, and accumulating 398 points. His club career is divided into three stints: a first period with the from 2000 to 2001, where he appeared in 17 games and scored 6 tries; a tenure with the from 2002 to 2004, featuring in 58 games and scoring 26 tries; and a second stint with the from 2005 to 2015, during which he played 176 games, scored 67 tries, and kicked 1 goal. Hodges primarily played as a centre throughout his NRL career, with 209 appearances in that position, though he occasionally featured as a fullback (18 games) or winger (9 games), particularly in his early seasons. The following table details his year-by-year NRL club statistics:
YearTeamGamesTriesGoalsPoints
20005208
2001124016
20022611044
2003118032
2004217028
20051911044
20062010142
20071912048
2008147028
2009183012
20100000
2011178032
2012185020
2013146024
201417208
2015203012

Representative statistics

Justin Hodges represented in 24 matches between 2002 and 2015, scoring 5 tries and 1 goal for a total of 22 points. His appearances included notable contributions during Queensland's dominant eight-series winning streak from 2006 to 2013, with a career win-loss record of 13 wins and 11 losses. At the international level, Hodges earned 13 caps for the from 2006 to 2013, crossing for 4 tries and accumulating 16 points. These matches encompassed Anzac Tests, the 2006 Tri-Nations, and the 2009 Four Nations, where remained unbeaten in his appearances, recording 12 wins and 1 draw. Hodges also featured in 3 All Stars games for the Indigenous All Stars team in 2012, 2013, and 2015, though he did not score any points in these exhibitions. The following table summarizes Hodges' key representative statistics by competition:
CompetitionGamesTriesGoalsPointsWins-Losses-Draws
(Queensland)24512213-11-0
International Tests ()13401612-0-1
All Stars (Indigenous)30002-1-0
Total40913827-12-1

Boxing career

Professional debut

After retiring from a distinguished career with the in 2015, Justin Hodges turned his attention to , intensifying his training regimen around 2016 following years of casual involvement in the sport since 2006. He had long admired the transition made by former teammate from to , which inspired Hodges to pursue a similar path as a means to stay physically fit and embrace a demanding new challenge after missing the intensity of elite competition. Hodges prepared for his professional boxing entry through dedicated sessions at The Boxing Shop under coach Gareth Williams, focusing on technique and conditioning while competing in the division at approximately 101 kg. His rugby league background, marked by physical resilience from over 250 NRL games, provided a foundational that eased his entry into the solitary demands of the ring. On 8 February 2019, Hodges made his professional debut at Sydney's , appearing on the undercard of the versus event, where he faced Rob in a scheduled four-round bout. Hodges dominated from the opening bell, dropping Baron three times with powerful combinations before securing a first-round technical victory at 1:15. The debut drew significant media attention in , with outlets highlighting Hodges' seamless shift from to individual combat and his emphatic win as a promising start, though some noted the mismatch against the less experienced . Coverage emphasized the novelty of a legend entering , sparking discussions on the growing trend of retired NRL players testing themselves in the squared circle.

Fight record and notable bouts

Hodges amassed a record of 5 wins (2 by /technical ) and 3 losses across 8 bouts from 2019 to , competing exclusively in the division. His victories included two rapid stoppages in his first two fights, while his losses featured a pair of high-profile encounters against former rival . Hodges has been inactive since late , with no further professional bouts recorded as of 2025. His professional debut on February 8, 2019, against Rob Baron ended in a first-round TKO victory after just 75 seconds, with the halting the fight following three knockdowns. Hodges followed this with another quick win on May 15, 2019, stopping Troy McMahon via TKO in 23 seconds with a series of unanswered punches that prompted intervention. These early successes highlighted his power transition from but drew criticism for mismatched opposition. A significant setback came on December 6, 2019, when Hodges suffered a first-round loss to after 39 seconds, felled by a thunderous right hand in what marked Lussick's professional debut. Hodges rebounded with three consecutive decision wins: a over Nathan Ross on December 21, 2021; a unanimous decision against former teammate on June 29, 2022; and another unanimous decision versus Jordan Simi on July 20, 2022. These bouts showcased improved stamina over four rounds each, though none pursued titles. Hodges' most notable fights were his two against , fueled by rivalry. On September 15, 2022, Gallen stopped Hodges via fourth-round TKO after dominating exchanges in a four-round bout. Their rematch on November 23, 2022, went the full six rounds (2:30 each), with Gallen securing a victory by scores of 60-54, 60-54, and 59-55, marking Gallen's fight.
DateOpponentResultMethodRounds
2019-02-08Rob BaronWinTKO1 (0:75)
2019-05-15Troy McMahonWinTKO1 (0:23)
2019-12-06LossKO1 (0:39)
2021-12-21Nathan RossWinMajority Decision4
2022-06-29Win4
2022-07-20Jordan SimiWin4
2022-09-15LossTKO4
2022-11-23Loss6

Post-retirement activities

Coaching and community roles

Following his retirement from professional in 2015, Justin Hodges transitioned into coaching roles, beginning with the Queensland under-20s team, which he led to a victory over in 2018. In December 2018, he was appointed as assistant coach for the under head coach for the , focusing on defensive strategies and player attitude to reclaim the series shield. Hodges contributed to the ' camp alongside legends like and , drawing on his 24 Origin appearances as a player to mentor emerging talent, his tenure as assistant coach lasted through the 2020 series, ending in October 2020 when he was axed by incoming head coach Wayne Bennett ahead of the 2021 series. In 2025, Hodges served as assistant coach for the in the . Hodges also took on the role of of Wellbeing and Community for Full Spectrum Education's ACTIVATE program, while serving as a Community Ambassador for the since 2016. In these capacities, he oversees initiatives aimed at student wellbeing, using evidence-based methods to address unrecognized challenges among , with program evaluations revealing that 60% of participating students faced previously unidentified issues. A key aspect of Hodges' community work involves Indigenous mentoring through the Beyond the Broncos program, a initiative funded by the Australian Government that targets Aboriginal and Islander students in Years 7-10 to boost school attendance, behavior, and completion rates. As a lead mentor alongside former teammates and , Hodges provides one-on-one guidance and motivation, drawing from his own experiences to inspire goal-setting and cultural pride among participants. The program facilitates school collaborations across south-east , operating in at least eight high schools in the Greater region and extending visits to sites like Beenleigh State High School and Marsden State High School to deliver workshops on and resilience. Through the broader ACTIVATE framework, Hodges supports partnerships with schools nationwide, emphasizing positive impact via tailored wellbeing sessions that promote learning and earning pathways for Indigenous . Hodges' initiatives place particular emphasis on support, integrating strategies for and creating safe spaces for discussion, often in collaboration with organizations like headspace. This focus is informed by his personal advocacy, including publicly encouraging close friend and fellow Queensland star to seek professional help during Inglis' struggles with depression in 2019, highlighting the need for open conversations in circles. His commitment deepened after discovering his own Jirrbal and Islander heritage in 2022, which has reinforced his dedication to breaking cycles of cultural disconnection in Indigenous communities.

Media and advocacy work

Following his retirement from professional in 2015, Justin Hodges transitioned into as a commentator for Fox League, where he provides analysis on (NRL) matches and . He joined ' NRL coverage in early 2017, contributing to programs that offer expert insights into games and player performances. Hodges has appeared on television panels and shows to discuss topics, including a 2025 segment on where he reflected on Ben Hunt's infamous dropped kick-off in the 2015 grand final. During the broadcast ahead of the 2025 , Hodges described the incident as one that "scarred" Hunt emotionally but emphasized that the young player bore no blame, expressing hope that Hunt would deliver a strong performance and secure a premiership win, stating, "I hope Hunty comes out on Sunday and has a wonderful game and wins it, because I think he deserves it." In advocacy efforts, Hodges has spoken out on mental health challenges faced by athletes, particularly drawing from his own experiences and publicly supporting former teammate . In 2017, he urged the NRL to provide better resources after Inglis admitted himself to a mental health facility, noting the pressures of elite sport. Hodges reiterated this support in 2019, encouraging Inglis to prioritize his for his family amid personal struggles, and has since incorporated into his broader discussions on player welfare. Hodges engages in on themes of transitions and identity crises, topics he addresses through his personal journey after leaving the NRL, where he experienced a profound sense of loss following 15 years in the sport. His presentations cover resilience, , and adapting to life beyond football, often highlighting the emotional adjustments required for former athletes. In 2022, Hodges featured in an episode of the SBS documentary series Who Do You Think You Are?, tracing his Indigenous heritage and uncovering that his great-grandmother Dolly was part of the Stolen Generations, forcibly removed from her Jirrbal mother at Yarrabah mission in the early 1900s. The episode promotes awareness of the intergenerational trauma caused by these policies, with Hodges connecting spiritually to his ancestry and committing to educate his children about their roots to foster cultural continuity.

References

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