Brisbane Broncos skipper and Cairns boy Justin Hodges to retire from rugby league at end of 2015 NRL season

JUSTIN Hodges says he’s retired because he hates the thought of being that player who stayed one season too long.

Justin Hodges of the Brisbane Broncos (centre) in action during their round 20 game against the Gold Coast Titans at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Friday, July 24, 2015. (AAP Image/Dan Peled) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

JUSTIN Hodges says he’s retired because he hates the thought of being that player who stayed one season too long.

The Broncos captain and Cairns product says he knows he’s made the right decision, one he made two weeks ago.

Hodges has had a distinguished career.

He debuted for the Broncos as a 17-year-old in the 2000 season against the Canberra Raiders.

He finishes his career 15 years later, with 13 Tests and 24 State of Origin appearances.

He has also won two premierships, one with the Roosters in 2002 and another with Brisbane in 2006.

REVEALED: Key points of the NRL’s new TV deal

NRL CASUALTY WARD: Dragons could lose trio

Justin Hodges retired from State of Origin last month.

The 2006 premiership victory can largely be attributed to Hodges and Wayne Bennett’s decision to move him to fullback late in the season which transformed the way the team played.

He said he didn’t want to harm the club and if he stayed on and didn’t give his all he would be doing exactly that.

“The time is right. The club is in a great position with wonderful players,” Hodges said this morning.

“The body is starting to break down. I have had a really good chat with Wayne (Bennett), with my family and friends and the time is right.

“It is better to go one year too early then one year too long.

“The body has had enough and the mind is starting slow.

Justin Hodges retires after 15 years in the NRL.

“Some days it gets hard to get yourself up to come to training.

“I love this club and it has given me so much.

“I would be doing the club an injustice if I kept playing without giving 110 per cent.”

Bennett said Hodges’ final season would be in the back of his players’ minds during the finals as they attempted to win their first premiership since 2006.

The Broncos are currently top of the table and winning a title would be a deserved honour for the champion centre.