Brisbane star Justin Hodges emerged from Queensland's self-imposed weekend media blackout determined to play the game of his life against NSW on Wednesday night.
"I'd love to go out and give Queensland the best game I can give," said Hodges before declaring all systems go for the State of Origin
series decider and Darren Lockyer's swansong.
"This is probably the biggest game for everyone playing."
Hodges threw a scare into the Maroons camp last week after quitting training with a "tight" hamstring but said on Sunday he would be right to go on Wednesday night.
Hodges likes nothing more than getting up into his opposition's face and meeting intimidation with intimidation.
Something he does better than most, apart from beating defenders with his big sidestep and fend, is intimidate with his special brand of aggression and "talk".
"It's Origin footy, you have to play it tough, you have to bring that aggression," said the 29-year-old.
"I haven't played (Origin) for a while (2009) but I'll be bringing that aggression.
"It's just the way I play, aggression gets me into the game."
While Hodges expects NSW will come hunting him, he knows the importance of controlling his natural aggression so it doesn't cost his team.
"You have to play hard but you have to also control your aggression," said Hodges before his 12th Origin.
"You don't want to go out there giving away penalties all night or get sent off.
"There's a fine line between aggression and stepping over it.
"I have to make sure I play hard, aggressive footy without losing my head."
Hodges got through four training sessions over the weekend after stirring up his left hamstring on Wednesday.
"It was a bit sore after that game in Perth (Brisbane's NRL loss to South Sydney in atrocious wet conditions) and the solid hit-out on Wednesday just stirred it up," he said.
"It's settled down pretty well and I've got a couple more days to rest it before the big game."
Luck hasn't always been on Hodges's side around Origin time but he didn't want to miss Lockyer's last game in Queensland colours.
"I haven't had to best of luck but I think this game will probably be the most important of my career," said the classy centre, who missed the 2010 Origin series through injury.
"I didn't want to miss it, but I didn't want to put the team or the Broncos in jeopardy by being out for a long period of time."
Hodges, whose last Origin appearance ended in an ugly brawl in the third game of 2009, said he couldn't wait to pull on the maroon jumper again.
"Every time you put that Queensland jersey on it means something special to us and you cherish it," he said.
"It's been nearly two years for me and I can't wait to put it on again and get that feeling of passion and pride."
- AAP
Justin Hodges talks to coach Mal Meninga during a Queensland training session. Photo / Getty Images
Brisbane star Justin Hodges emerged from Queensland's self-imposed weekend media blackout determined to play the game of his life against NSW on Wednesday night.
"I'd love to go out and give Queensland the best game I can give," said Hodges before declaring all systems go for the State of Origin
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