The NRL judiciary panel late Tuesday (Sept 29) lifted a one-match ban for a tackle in the preliminary final victory over Sydney Roosters last week.
The premiership decider at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium will be the 33-year-old centre's final match before he retires after 15 NRL years. (Kickoff at 3:15pm)
“I have so many emotions going right now, the last few days have been tough and today felt like the longest day,” Hodges told reporters after the not-guilty verdict.
“I just want to thank everyone here for giving me a fair trial, we have a system in place when you make a bad decision in rugby league, you have the chance to come here and state your case.
“I’m just relieved I get to play one more game.”
Roosters back-rower Aidan Guerra gave evidence on behalf of Hodges telling the panel he jumped in the tackle to get a penalty.
“The game wasn't going to plan for us and we were trying to do anything we could,” Guerra said.
“I thought it was a chance to get a penalty so I jumped above the horizontal to get a penalty.”
Hodges has been carrying a back injury for much of the season.
“The back is a bit sore, to be honest,” he said.
“I’ll probably start running on Thursday, but the back is nothing compared to what I've been through in the last few days.”