Hodges cleared for grand final

Hodges, 33, was yesterday cited by the NRL match review committee for his 57th-minute tackle on Sydney Roosters second-rower Aidan Guerra in Friday’s preliminary final 31-12 win.

Copley has been named on an extended bench as cover for Hodges.

Smith said not playing in that grand final is something that has stayed with him.

“I’m not the biggest fan of the system but I’m sure after missing Issac Luke in last year’s grand final and now potentially Justin Hodges in this year’s grand final, I don’t think it’s best for the game”.

Hodges will need to fight it if pinged by the MRC on Monday, as he has committed a previous offence which carries a 20 per cent loading.

The NRL judiciary panel took 10 minutes to clear Hodges of any wrongdoing, meaning his premiership dream remains alive.

Guerra, who was not injured in the tackle, came out in support of his fellow Maroons player.

“[I’m] just relieved that I get to finish one more game”.

Roosters rival Aidan Guerra could help Broncos veteran Justin Hodges, pictured, in his bid to play in this Sunday’s NRL grand final.

A brilliant chip-and-chase try by livewire five-eighth Anthony Milford in the 47th minute gave Brisbane a 26-12 lead they were never going to surrender in front of a vocal sellout crowd of 51,826.

“I knew straight away that he jumped, and he felt the same”.

“I’m not in the game of sticking up for Queenslanders but I feel sorry for him that he’s even been charged”, Gallen told Sky Sports Radio.

Friend said the boys from Bondi had no answer to the Broncos’ onslaught, which hinged on the dominance of their forwards.

“It’s been a tough few days not knowing the outcome”, he said.

“Without player Guerra’s contribution there is no way that he could have got into a unsafe position”, he said.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson said he looked forward to seeing Hodges run out at the former Olympic stadium next Sunday.

Hodges’ defence counsel Nick Ghabar said that was primarily Guerra’s fault.