Justin Hodges
A powerhouse rugby league centre whose aggressive running and competitive fire made him a cornerstone of Queensland's State of Origin dynasty.
Born 1982 (age 44)·Australia international rugby league footballer·Birthday: May 25·Millennials
Biography
Justin Hodges played rugby league with a trademark scowl and an even more trademark ability to break the line. A product of the Brisbane Broncos system, the tall, strong centre possessed a devastating fend and an uncompromising attitude that made him a nightmare for defenders. His career had two distinct chapters in the NRL: a premiership-winning stint with the Sydney Roosters in 2002, followed by a triumphant return to Brisbane where he captained the side and won another title in 2006. But it was in the arena of State of Origin where Hodges truly cemented his reputation. As a mainstay in the Queensland backline during their unprecedented eight-year winning streak, he formed a lethal partnership with Greg Inglis. His battles with New South Wales' Jarryd Hayne were the stuff of legend, defined by physicality and sheer will. Hodges was the player opponents loved to hate—a relentless competitor whose passion sometimes boiled over, but whose talent and impact for club and state were never in doubt.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Justin was born in 1982, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Justin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Justin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won NRL Premierships with two different clubs: the Sydney Roosters (2002) and the Brisbane Broncos (2006).
- Represented Queensland in 24 State of Origin matches, playing a key role in their eight-series winning streak.
- Played 14 tests for the Australian national team, the Kangaroos, including in World Cup victories.
Did You Know?
He is of Indigenous Australian and Ni-Vanuatu descent.
After retiring from rugby league, he pursued a professional boxing career, winning his first several fights.
Hodges was known for his distinctive, high-stepping running style when celebrating tries.
“You don't win games with pretty plays; you win them with tough carries and defense.”
