A SHOULDER injury has put Justin Hodges' World Cup hopes on a knife edge and Brisbane teammate Karmichael Hunt is among the contenders who could replace him.
Australian centre Hodges had scans yesterday for a shoulder problem that restricted him in the NRL finals. The results should be known today.
Hunt, St George Illawarra centre Matt Cooper and Parramatta youngster Jarryd Hayne are in the frame to come into the squad should Hodges be ruled out.
Australian selector Des Morris said last night Cooper was the obvious choice but Hunt's utility value could see him get the nod.
"We already have centre pretty well covered with Israel Folau, Greg Inglis, Joel Monaghan and Brent Tate in the side," Morris said.
Australian centre Hodges had scans yesterday for a shoulder problem that restricted him in the NRL finals. The results should be known today.
Hunt, St George Illawarra centre Matt Cooper and Parramatta youngster Jarryd Hayne are in the frame to come into the squad should Hodges be ruled out.
Australian selector Des Morris said last night Cooper was the obvious choice but Hunt's utility value could see him get the nod.
"We already have centre pretty well covered with Israel Folau, Greg Inglis, Joel Monaghan and Brent Tate in the side," Morris said.