Kangaroo centre Justin Hodges has been given the all clear to play in tonight’s Anzac test on the Gold Coast.

The news reaffirms Australia’s position as favourites going into the clash against New Zealand.

Clare Hunter reports.

TRANSCRIPT

The Australian Centre has been under an injury cloud for most of the week, but after passing a last minute fitness test… Justin Hodges has been given the green light. The news isn’t so good for would be replacement Willie Tonga.

Peter Gentle, Kangaroos Assistant Coach: “Hodgo had a bit of a problem with his back but he has pulled up fine today so Willie will be watching from the stands.”

Kangaroos Assistant Coach Peter Gentle knows just what to expect from the opposition. Club champion Benji Marshall will lead the Kiwis into the attack.

Peter Gentle, Kangaroos Assistant Coach: “You are always confident but you are always cautious playing the Kiwis with Benji in it, look what he did to us last time.”

In the New Zealand camp Nathan Fien is good to go after concerns of a hamstring injury were set aside but forward Adam Blair is unlikely to play. His ankle injury has kept him off the training field.

This is likely to be Darren Lockyer’s last appearance for Australia on home soil and there’ll be plenty a lot of support from his family in the stands.

Darren Lockyer, Kangaroos Captain: “My career is coming to an end and I’m just happy that they are going to be around to see that because they were instrumental in helping me start my career.”

And in Melbourne tonight the Queensland Reds will go in as favourites against an under strength Melbourne Rebels.

The Rebels are missing English Import Danny Cipriani and half back Richard Kingi – both suspended after a boozy night on the town last week.

The Reds are keen to bounce back from last week’s surprise loss to the Hurricanes.

Clare Hunter, QUT News.