HODGES’ FINAL STAND
Broncos captain and Cairns NRL hero Justin Hodges to play grand final
BRISBANE skipper Justin Hodges will play in Sunday’s grand final after beating a dangerous throw suspension at the NRL judiciary last night.
Hodges was hit with a grade one dangerous throw charge for a tackle on Sydney Roosters’ back-rower Aidan Guerra in the Broncos’ preliminary final win.
But the former Cairns Kangaroos junior was found not guilty of the offence after the the judiciary panel took 10 minutes to reach their verdict.
A relieved Hodges will get to play one last game before retirement when he lines up against North Queensland at ANZ Stadium.
The reprieve owed much to the evidence of Cairns-born Guerra, who admitted jumping into the tackle.
“I didn’t ask him to come here and lie,” Hodges said.
“He came here and told the truth.
“I said to (Guerra) after the charge that this is the way I felt about the tackle and if you feel the same you can come (and speak in his defence).”
COWBOYS and Broncos jerseys have been flying off the shelves this week as footy fans strive to show their true colours ahead of Sunday’s all-Queensland NRL grand final.
Sportscene Super warehouse Cairns owner Billy Lavis said trade had been “going crazy” all week.
“It started Sunday morning, we’ve been trying to get a heap of gear in just to keep up with it,” he said.
“Everybody wants a jersey. They have just about sold out.
“We’re also selling stubby coolers, flags – whatever people can get their hands on.”
Mr Lavis said Cowboys and Broncos basketball singlets ha also proved popular.
Innisfail store Sportz Look sold two jerseys first thing on Monday morning, and the flow of customers has continued all week.
Owner Gavin Lee said the past few days had been among the busiest this year.
“It’s been very similar to State of Origin, which is just huge,” he said.
“A lot of people are going down to the game and want to be seen as being from North Queensland.”
Some businesses are so excited by the big match that they are giving away Cowboys merchandise.
Inspired Signs has printed about 100 large supporter banners that are being handed out to North Queensland fans.
“They’re a local team and we hope they can do it this weekend – we’ll print off more if we have to,” owner Adam Simes said.