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Message: [QUOTE="GCBRONCO, post: 2356973, member: 1808"] [url="http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/justin-hodges-injured-as-brisbane-broncos-beat-melbourne-storm-26-6-in-nrl-trial/story-e6frep5x-1226012586039"]http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl ... 6012586039[/url] THE critical comeback of star centre Justin Hodges stalled as Anthony Griffin's reign at the Broncos began with a bang ... but also a major headache. In an untimely scare on the eve of Brisbane's 2011 NRL season, their gun strike weapon broke down late in the first half of their 26-6 trial win against the Melbourne Storm at Redcliffe. On a night Griffin officially took the helm as just the third coach in Broncos history, Hodges hobbled off Dolphin Oval with a left hamstring strain, but remains upbeat his fresh injury setback won't rule him out of Round 1. The ex-Test star was playing just his second match in 15 months, having taken the first tentative steps back in Alice Springs last weekend after missing the entire 2010 season with a major achilles injury to his right foot. Tonight, while wearing the No.4 jumper he has had a mortgage on at the Broncos, Hodges was replaced in the starting side by NRL bolter Jack Reed. Having entered the fray after 15 minutes, Hodges showed enough glimpses of his trademark street smarts and skill to remind Broncos fans what they've been missing. But after a fleeting 20-minute stint came his latest blow, putting the only major dampner on a night Griffin's Broncos stepped out in style. Rookie flyer Dane Gagai, given a golden chance by Griffin to press his claims for an NRL jumper, was ice-cool during his try-scoring rehearsal. Battling with speedster Denan Kemp to partner Gerard Beale on the left flank, Gagai has given Griffin a welcome selection headache. Star halves Darren Lockyer and Peter Wallace, enjoying their first tune-up together in six months, were prominent. Club champion Lockyer was sharp and busy in his cameo before being placed on ice. There was a distinct strut in the step of strike weapon Te'o, not to mention a handy offload in the make-up of seasoned big man Shane Tronc. An upbeat Te'o, by his own admission playing for an NRL jumper amid Brisbane's bulging forward stocks, cut an imposing figure. He broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark, simply sliding on to a Darren Lockyer ball as the Storm's line cracked for the first time. Four second-half tries, to Ben Hunt, Lockyer, Jharal Yow Yeh and Gagai, rounded out an encouraging Broncos showing. While Hodges awaits scan results, it was also a bad night for Storm centre recruit Beau Champion (calf), who broke down in the warm-up. Interestingly, Griffin and Storm coach Craig Bellamy were each asked during the week to describe what values they like in their football team. Both coaches gave the same reply: "mentally and physically tough players". Broncos fans should know, on Saturday night's early indicator, that's what they'll be getting from their team under Griffin in season 2011. For the Storm, those same traits that pinned down their shattered empire remain, no question, but there is much work to do with a gap in class evident on what was displayed last night. [/QUOTE]

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