Hodges should stand from rep footy - agree or disagree?

[Super Freak]

That's the opinion of Brad Fittler. I agree with him.

Fittler: Hodges facing big decision - NRL.com

 

[jarro65]

I agree

 

[theshed]

The selfish answer is yes, I would prefer him to just play for the broncos and avoid injury. But these days players play club footy for a chance to make rep sides and I don't think I could expect him to step down or blame him for not.

 

[Ari Gold]

He should just retire. Old, slow and injury prone.

 

[gordjw]

Ari's finally getting it right.

 

[Splinter]

The bit i like is the reference to his nastiness, I wish the rest of the team were as nasty

 

[Morkel]

He should just retire. Old, slow and injury prone.

He's just not serviceable.

 

[Rabbir]

Doesn't he get 50K an Origin game?

 

[Foordy]

From both a QLD and Broncos perspective i think he should retire from rep footy.

Broncos: he will be very handy to have his experience around the rep time of year, also reduces the strain on his body.

QLD: now that the streak has been broken, we are far better off ushering out the oldies and bringing in the next generation

 

[Unbreakable]

I don't see it happening next year, maybe the year after.

I can only assume that Tate won't be around for origin next year, losing Hodges & Tate in the same season would be a massive blow in terms of experience, I'd say Hodges will play next year, maybe retire from rep footy for 2016, once we've retained the origin trophy :P

While we're on the topic, I wonder what our back 5 will look like in 2016..

1. Slater (33)
2. Boyd (29)
3. Inglis (29)
4. Chambers (28)
5. Copley (25) / Gagai (25) / Lee (23)

Hmm

 

[Rally Towel]

I say yes.

He's still got it in him, as his performances last 2 series would indicate.

However, it's extra wear and tear he doesn't need, and his longevity (or lack thereof) is already a factor.

I'm sure he'd love to be a part of the side that reclaims the shield, but I think it's unnecessary. He has nothing left to prove, and now is the perfect time to bring in the new blood (while we retain the leadership in Smith, JT and Cronk).

 

[Broncoman]

Despite being in the twilight of his career and injury prone Hodges is still a terrific player and one of the best centres/fullbacks in the game. The choice to stand down from rep footy is completely up to him and if he feels like he isn't up to it anymore he should stand down and make way for the next generation if he still feels up to it he should go for it. I honestly don't know tbh 50/50 on this one.

As a NSW fan I've had a fear of Hodges in the Origin arena. He rebounded back superbly after his first 2 Origins and has become a strong member of Queensland and Australian teams ever since. I thought this series was meant to be his last but NSW's victory might've prolonged it.

 

[Huge]

Yes, he owes us nothing and to be truthful, playing on would be both greedy and selfish. However, I would think it noble were he to donate his match fee to a worthy cause and continue playing. In some ways he would be depriving a younger, long term prospect an opportunity .

 

[Financeguy]

Yes, he owes us nothing and to be truthful, playing on would be both greedy and selfish. However, I would think it noble were he to donate his match fee to a worthy cause and continue playing. In some ways he would be depriving a younger, long term prospect an opportunity .

I cant agree with that. If he is still the best centre choice for Qld then he deserves any financial gain that comes with it. He might be a veteran in league terms but he is still a relatively young man as far as life is concerned and is well within his right to maximise his earnings potential in the twilight of his playing career.

He should not have to donate his match fee anymore than Thurston, Smith, Slater or Cronk.

 

[Huge]

Yeah, probably right. The thing is, if it is the honour they say it is then they would be happy to do it for nothing but if there was no pay for it and you really were doing just for the honour then few would play ! It's a classic case of the person when asked if they love their job, yeah sure I do......so, would you do it for nothing ? I'd still like him to make way, I'll just have to think of a better reason !!

 

[Mister Wright]

No way. He was our most consistent player this year and we looked to be pretty short on attacking opportunities in game 2 until Hodges came to life. If he ends up at fullback next season he'll have less of a defensive load and should be able to get through the rigors of Origin. I'm not a big fan of players retiring from rep football.

 

[animal eater]

As a Bronco fan I would like to see him skip rep/origin play. That said, if you go back just two origins ago (2013) he was without a doubt the best centre in that series. He outplayed Jennings and even had a better series than Inglis.

 

[I bleed Maroon]

It is about time he considered giving it away. He has nothing left to prove at rep level.