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Message: [QUOTE="Loki522, post: 2521689, member: 8310"] INJURED centre Justin Hodges is negotiating with the Broncos to extend his career at Red Hill beyond next season. In a boost for Hodges before Brisbane’s clash with the Eels on Friday night, his management have started talks on a new deal for at least the 2015 campaign. The discussions are in the preliminary stage and while they began before Hodges’ season-ending Achilles injury last Sunday, the Broncos are backing the Maroons ace to recover from his latest setback. Hodges faces a 10-month rehabilitation and there are fears his second Achilles ailment will force him into retirement when his Broncos contract expires at the end of next season. Hodges, who turns 32 next May, is determined to fight on. His manager George Mimis confirmed Thursday night he had met Broncos officials to discuss long-term plans for Hodges, who believes he can be an NRL force at age 35. “I’ve had some preliminary discussions with the Broncos,” Mimis said. “Obviously the injury hasn’t come at a good time, but Justin’s head-space hasn’t changed and it probably won’t. “It’s always been Justin’s intention to play on beyond this deal. This injury is a significant one but not one that is insurmountable. “As long as he’s dedicated to his recovery and rehab I can’t see why Justin can’t play on. “In the modern game, thanks to sports science, we’ve had centres from Matt Cooper to Adam MacDougall to Matt King that have played until the age of 34 or 35. “Justin has done it before so he knows what’s involved. Retirement is the furthest thing from his mind.” Hodges, who made his NRL debut in 2000, began to confront his mortality three years ago when he snapped his right Achilles in a pre-season training mishap. The following season he endured chronic hamstring complaints that saw him miss two Origin games. That convinced Hodges to take a serious approach to safeguarding his battle-weary body. The veteran of 214 NRL games has undertaken pilates to improve his core strength. While he accepts there are critics who believe he is finished, Hodges is adamant next season will not be his last. “I can play on for sure,” he said. “Injuries are something you can’t always control in sport, but I was always keen to play on beyond this deal. “I’ve seen some good mates retire lately, but I don’t want to finish just yet. Hopefully we can win some more comps in the coming years. “For the first time in my career, I backed up twice after Origin so I am doing things I should have done when I was younger. “As you get older, you start cherishing everything and working harder on getting your body right. “I still believe I can play until 34 or 35, the good thing with injury is I haven’t played as many games as other guys have so that has left me fresh.” Mimis said the Broncos valued Hodges’ off-field growth as a leader at the club and his influence on emerging players. “He’s a cornerstone guy there these days,” he said. “His aptitude for leadership has grown immeasurably, he has been a shining light on and off the field. “Everyone at the club agrees he is an important part of the Broncos.” [/QUOTE]

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