Hodges step closer to Broncos dream

[Gaz]

Hodges step closer to Broncos dream

Updated 2 hours ago
While he has no problem with Anthony Seibold, Brisbane great Justin Hodges believes he has taken another step toward one day taking over the reigns at the Brisbane Broncos.
Hodges said former South Sydney coach Seibold was the right man to replace 25-season veteran Wayne Bennett for the 2019 NRL season, admitting Broncos players needed to hear a different voice at Red Hill.
But the former Broncos skipper believed he was a step closer to realising his dream of becoming Brisbane coach after being promoted to the 2019 Queensland State of Origin staff.
Following a successful stint as Queensland under-20s mentor, Hodges' rapid rise through the ranks has continued with his elevation as Maroons defensive coach next year.
Queensland coach Kevin Walters signed up Hodges as part of a raft of support staff changes following their rare series loss to NSW in 2018.
"I think every player's ambition is to coach the side that they love, one day hopefully (I will coach Broncos)," Hodges said.
"(But) I am still learning the ropes. This (Maroons) assistant job will really help me learn.
"I don't want to go too hard too early. I just want to get into (Queensland) camp and learn a few things off Kevvie.
"And having guys like Petero (Civoniceva), JT (Johnathan Thurston) and Billy Slater still coming into camp I will learn so many good things.
"That's what makes a good coach. You can't think you know it all."
Hodges has no immediate plans to sit in the Brisbane hot seat after Seibold took up a five year deal following an ugly coach swap saga that ended with Bennett being sacked via voice message.
"It was disappointing the way it all panned out in the media," Hodges said.
"(But) I think he (Seibold) is a great coach. He did a wonderful job at South Sydney last year, he turned those guys into a happy club again.
"A lot of their forwards over the last couple of years have looked fatigued but he brought them back to where they wanted to be."
Hodges has close ties with Bennett after winning a premiership under the master mentor in 2006 but believed Seibold was just what Brisbane needed to end their 12 year title slump.
"With a younger coach he brings fresh ideas and I think that is what the Broncos have been screaming out for," he said.
"Wayne has done a fantastic job for a long period of time but I think the players just need that different voice at this time in their career."

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/hodges-step-closer-to-broncos-dream

 

[ostin86]

Lol Hodges will never coach the Broncos premiership side!

 

[broncsgoat]

Defensive coach?

 

[GCBRONCO]

Defensive coach?

In the fine art of sledging

 

[winslow_wong]

Lol Hodges will never coach the Broncos premiership side!

Why not?

 

[broncsgoat]

In the fine art of sledging

One of the all time best

 

[Harry Sack]

Why not?

I can't see it personally. I could see him doing a Meninga Origin type deal....but a full time head coach? Dealing with the media and the day to day running of the side? Nah

 

[Sproj]

Who would have thought Jason Taylor wouldn’t make a good coach?

Sort of works both ways but one cool thing in Hodgo’s favour is that he generally sees what is needing to be seen, even his comments on Bennett there are pretty much spot on.

 

[Rico]

It’s not going to be a lack of commitment if he doesn’t get there. Full credit to the guy, he loves the club and has had that as a goal since he retired. I personally hope he gets there one day.

 

[ostin86]

It’s not going to be a lack of commitment if he doesn’t get there. Full credit to the guy, he loves the club and has had that as a goal since he retired. I personally hope he gets there one day.

You dont just give a bloke the head coaching role because respect him. I love Hodgo too, but I have not seen or heard anything out of him that would make me think he will be a good coach.

 

[Harry Sack]

You dont just give a bloke the head coaching role because respect him. I love Hodgo too, but I have not seen or heard anything out of him that would make me think he will be a good coach.

Pretty much this. I'd love for him to prove though.

 

[winslow_wong]

You dont just give a bloke the head coaching role because respect him. I love Hodgo too, but I have not seen or heard anything out of him that would make me think he will be a good coach.

From what I read, it sounds like it’s a long term goal of his and he’s willing to take the time to learn the necessary skills. It’s good to see someone with goals and ambitions.

 

[broncsgoat]

You dont just give a bloke the head coaching role because respect him. I love Hodgo too, but I have not seen or heard anything out of him that would make me think he will be a good coach.

Maybe not so far, but he’s only been retired three seasons and already has a decent (bizarre) role. Would be folly to write him off.

 

[Jedhead]

Hodgo has the mental toughness to survive the Bronco environment. Not many do.

 

[holdzy]

Did anyone else think Locky would be coaching by now?

 

[Sproj]

Did anyone else think Locky would be coaching by now?

I think I remember reading or seeing an interview with him after he retired where he said he didn’t really have an interest in coaching at that stage, likely nothing has changed. He also does have a few properties he manages I think plus media commitments.

 

[Huge]

Did anyone else think Locky would be coaching by now?

Yes, I thought Lockyer was the right 'type' to be a coach and truthfully I was surprised he became a media tart. I just didn't see an extrovert in him. That said one of the most famous comedian, entertainer, media personalities of a bygone era was an introvert, Benny Hill. What do I know ha ha.

 

[holdzy]

I think I remember reading or seeing an interview with him after he retired where he said he didn’t really have an interest in coaching at that stage, likely nothing has changed. He also does have a few properties he manages I think plus media commitments.

Hopefully somewhere down the track for him, he’s too good to not be involved in a hands on way.