Fit Justin Hodges primed for fireworks against NSW rival Michael Jennings

JUSTIN Hodges will resume his Origin duel with NSW's Michael Jennings in the best shape of his career thanks to Anthony Mundine's fitness trainer.

JUSTIN Hodges will resume his Origin duel with NSW firebrand Michael Jennings in the best shape of his career thanks to Anthony Mundine's fitness trainer.

Hodges is bracing for fireworks on Wednesday night against centre rival Jennings, who was sin-binned in Origin I for running 20m to throw a haymaker at Maroons winger Brent Tate.

Hodges endured a frustrating battle with a series of leg injuries last season, but the Broncos ace runs on to ANZ Stadium at the peak of his powers after his sizzling two-try display against the Knights in round 13 last Sunday afternoon.

Just turned 30, Hodges says he has never been fitter. After admitting to being a lazy trainer who neglected his body in his formative years at the Broncos, Hodges is now ultra-professional in his pre-match preparation.

He has trimmed down to 98kg and attributes his peak condition to regular boxing sessions with Michael Raso, the fitness guru who has whipped three-time boxing world champion Mundine into shape.

"I'm a whole lot fitter than I was in previous years," Hodges, who battled a painful back problem last season, said.

"Michael Raso helps out 'Choc' Mundine, I've done some boxing with him and that's really improved my fitness. We catch up from time to time for a bit of sparring.

"It really improves your fitness and I'm feeling as good as ever.

"Normally the last few years I would be injured and I'd miss a fair bit of training. This year I've been able to do every session, plus my boxing extras, so it's allowed me to play better football because I'm fitter."

Hodges ignited an Origin feud with Jennings when he suggested the Penrith speed demon would be "running scared" in his Blues debut at Melbourne's Etihad Stadium in 2009.

The pair have since formed a friendship and Hodges says the Blues centre's blistering acceleration could expose him on Wednesday.

Hodges believes Jennings' personal issues at Penrith, where he was axed from the top grade before Origin I, were behind his brain snap.