<table cellspacing=5 cellpadding=0 width="100%" align=center border=0> <tbody> <tr> <td>LOCKYER WARNS DEPARTING HODGES</td></tr> <tr> <td>19 July 2001
Test fullback Darren Lockyer today warned Brisbane youngster Justin Hodges he could regret his decision to quit the NRL premiers and join the Sydney Roosters next season.
In a reversal of fortunes which has clearly annoyed the Broncos, Hodges has agreed to a three-year deal with the Roosters.
His manager Jim Banaghan denied suggestions from the Broncos that big money had been the main factor in the 19-year-old's decision to leave.
Banaghan said his client's ambition was to play fullback and he had little chance of taking Test custodian and acting captain Lockyer's place at Brisbane.
But Lockyer said his own experience had shown Hodges could be better off staying put.
"I was a five-eighth when I came to the club and I really wanted to play five-eighth but Kevvie Walters was the man," Lockyer told AAP.
"It was never a chance for me getting the five-eighth spot at least for a few years.
"I stuck with the club, I played off the bench all of 95, 96 and eventually I was put in a position I didn't really want to be in and that was fullback.
"But I got a start in a side that was a successful team, had a great coach and I think if I had gone elsewhere I probably wouldn't be in the position I am today.
"I can only judge what Justin's done on my personal experience through it all.
"All the best to Justin if he does leave, but I think in the long run, unless he proves me wrong, he was probably better off staying with us."
The departure of Hodges was a major blow to the Broncos, who have prided themselves over the years on being able to retain young players.
Disappointed Broncos managing director Shane Edwards said the club would no longer deal with Banaghan, who also looks after two other young players, Michael Ryan and Corey Parker.
Edwards said the Broncos had offered Hodges excellent opportunities and financial rewards to stay in Brisbane.
"If we had matched or even come close to the financial offer we believe the Roosters made to Justin, this young man would have been receiving more than many of our season 2001 State of Origin and Test debutants," he said.
Banaghan said the Broncos were suffering from "a spoilt child syndrome".
"My job is to act in the best interests of a player and not in the best interests of a football club and I'll continue to do that," Banaghan said.
A Cairns junior, Hodges became the youngest debutant in the history of the Broncos when he played against Canberra on May 8 last year, 17 days shy of his 18th birthday.
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</td></tr></tbody></table> Source: NRL Official Website www.nrl.com
This is pitiful. How arrogant can a team get?I used to hold this team in respect because they performed so well. They may still do so but this is over the line. What a bunch of petulent little babies.
BulldogTim
In a reversal of fortunes which has clearly annoyed the Broncos, Hodges has agreed to a three-year deal with the Roosters.
His manager Jim Banaghan denied suggestions from the Broncos that big money had been the main factor in the 19-year-old's decision to leave.
Banaghan said his client's ambition was to play fullback and he had little chance of taking Test custodian and acting captain Lockyer's place at Brisbane.
But Lockyer said his own experience had shown Hodges could be better off staying put.
"I was a five-eighth when I came to the club and I really wanted to play five-eighth but Kevvie Walters was the man," Lockyer told AAP.
"It was never a chance for me getting the five-eighth spot at least for a few years.
"I stuck with the club, I played off the bench all of 95, 96 and eventually I was put in a position I didn't really want to be in and that was fullback.
"But I got a start in a side that was a successful team, had a great coach and I think if I had gone elsewhere I probably wouldn't be in the position I am today.
"I can only judge what Justin's done on my personal experience through it all.
"All the best to Justin if he does leave, but I think in the long run, unless he proves me wrong, he was probably better off staying with us."
The departure of Hodges was a major blow to the Broncos, who have prided themselves over the years on being able to retain young players.
Disappointed Broncos managing director Shane Edwards said the club would no longer deal with Banaghan, who also looks after two other young players, Michael Ryan and Corey Parker.
Edwards said the Broncos had offered Hodges excellent opportunities and financial rewards to stay in Brisbane.
"If we had matched or even come close to the financial offer we believe the Roosters made to Justin, this young man would have been receiving more than many of our season 2001 State of Origin and Test debutants," he said.
Banaghan said the Broncos were suffering from "a spoilt child syndrome".
"My job is to act in the best interests of a player and not in the best interests of a football club and I'll continue to do that," Banaghan said.
A Cairns junior, Hodges became the youngest debutant in the history of the Broncos when he played against Canberra on May 8 last year, 17 days shy of his 18th birthday.
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This is pitiful. How arrogant can a team get?I used to hold this team in respect because they performed so well. They may still do so but this is over the line. What a bunch of petulent little babies.
BulldogTim
