NRL: Hodges not out of the danger zone yet

Justin Hodges. Photo / Getty Images

With one piece of match-winning magic last weekend Brisbane centre Justin Hodges signalled he was back.

His clash with lightning quick Panther Michael Jennings at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night will be the next step in his return from a serious foot injury.

Hodges' classy effort to beat robust defenders in Greg Bird and Esi Tonga with footwork and a big fend for his first try since 2009 following an Achilles injury was very heartening for Brisbane fans.

It confirmed the serious injury had not robbed him of his lethal right foot step or his confidence to step up under pressure.

But it didn't completely convince his coach Anthony Griffin his star attacking weapon was out of the injury danger zone, just yet.

"There's always a danger when they've been out that long," Griffin said after Hodges came off late against the Titans with a leg injury.

"We've got our fingers crossed for him, he's doing everything right, his rehab has been first class.

"It wasn't his hamstring last week, it was just a related little niggle.

"We just need to see him play two, three, four games until his body gets back to the rigours of handling week-in week-out football.

"Anyone coming back from a year out of the game with the injuries he's had is going to be a little risk until they get that match fitness back."

Griffin conceded the play was classic Hodges and heart warming to witness.

"For Hodgo to be in the frame of mind to try and do what he did after being out (of the game) for so long and being able to execute it, shows you the quality of player he is," he said.

Hodges trained on Thursday morning without any signs of discomfort.

- AAP