Hodges free to play in NRL grand final

Brisbane Broncos will contest the NRL Grand Final after running in six tries to win an exhilarating Preliminary Final 31-12 against Sydney Roosters on Friday.

“It’s a little bit worrying but I know myself in the tackle, there was nothing in it”, Hodges told commercial broadcaster Channel Nine on Sunday.

Broncos hard men and fellow former Sunshine Coast juniors Matt Gillett and Jack Reed were superb throughout the encounter in helping Brisbane to its first grand final since 2006.

Guerra said his Queensland Origin team-mate should not sweat the 57th-minute tackle.

Guerra gave evidence on behalf of Hodges.

As a result Hodges is now free to play in Sunday’s premiership decider against North Queensland at ANZ Stadium.

“I got the charge and spoke to him, and said “if you don’t want to come, you don’t have to come”.

It’s the Broncos first grand final since 2006 and their seventh overall. It’s only going to hinder the game.

“It’s just relief that I get to finish one more game”.

“It would be tough (to miss the grand final)”, Robinson said.

The Sydney Roosters back-rower claimed he had no concern for his own welfare and was playing for a penalty at a crucial stage of the second half when he jumped in the tackle.

McGrath asked: ‘Did it worry you?’

“Well I’m still able bodied”, Guerra replied.

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

He said his troops ran out of fresh legs past year which led to them crashing out against eventual premiers South Sydney in the preliminary final.

“And he felt the same, and that’s the reason why he came”.

It appeared to be as absolutely sure as whole night follows daytime that often Hodges could well be struck by using a talent one hazardous cast demand compensation for his get into on Roosters forward Aiden Guerra.