Queensland State of Origin great Justin Hodges says he's "gutted" at being axed as an assistant coach by new Maroons boss Wayne Bennett.
Bennett, a former coach of Hodges, has taken over the Queensland side from new Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters.
Nine News revealed that the legendary Maroons mentor had preferred the highly-experienced Neil Henry as assistant coach in his Origin comeback, leaving Hodges out in the cold.
"It's a shame, it's something I've always enjoyed, I've been around the Origin arena for a long time," Hodges told Fox League.
"It is tough. We've been talking about this [upcoming series] for a long time.
"It's been on my radar, it's the only coaching gig that's been on my radar. It is gutting, it is hard, but that's coaching.
"Hopefully I'll get another opportunity next year. I'll have to wait and see. I'll be supportive [of Bennett and Queensland]."
Bennett has already made his presence felt, also reportedly axing veteran prop Josh McGuire from the Maroons squad. The Origin series begins on November 4 in Adelaide.
from WWOS https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/justin-hodges-gutted-by-queensland-origin-sacking-under-wayne-bennett/012f5029-70b7-4fb9-b603-a2e8c1572538
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