But so optimistic is he about the future of the Maroons, he believes that choice may not be up to him.

The veteran centre – 33 in May – is reluctant to give away his Queensland jersey, but has hinted that 2015 may be his last hurrah for his beloved Queensland before coach Mal Meninga ushers in a changing of the guard.

Backline vacancies have been created by Brent Tate’s retirement and the Achilles injury to Darius Boyd, while a back-row spot will also be up for grabs after the departure of Ben Te’o to rugby union.

Hodges will again put his hand up for Origin duty in 2015 but is unsure of Meninga’s future plans as the Maroons try to to regain the title lost to NSW last year after eight years of domination.

‘‘I would love to leave there a winner,’’ he said.

‘‘Losing last year was pretty hard.

‘‘I still get the chills like when I first pulled on that maroon jersey.

‘‘You work so hard to get there, it is pretty hard to give that jersey up.

‘‘I want to play this year but whatever happens next year [under Meninga’s future plan] happens.’’

Hodges said Queensland had the backline talent to usher in a ‘‘new era’’.

‘‘The best thing about that is that we have great depth - there’s Dane Gagai, Will Chambers did a great job last year [replacing the injured Tate],’’ he said.

‘‘It could be the start of a new era.

‘‘But I would do anything for that team.

‘‘It’s a side that you never want to let down.’’

Hodges will have Bennett’s NRL All Stars in his sights when he runs out for the Indigenous team on the Gold Coast on Friday night.

However, Hodges has hit it off with Bennett at the Broncos since the master coach’s off-season return.

Hodges says Bennett’s presence had not only reminded him of the six-time premiers’ glory days - but also a possible return to their NRL dominance.

‘‘Since he has been back I have enjoyed it - the feeling of the old Broncos is starting to come back,’’ he smiled.

‘‘He hasn’t changed much. He still thinks he is funny.

‘‘I am pleased he is back and hopefully we can go a long way [into the finals] this year.’’

Hodges had hinted at ending his career in the UK but claimed he preferred to bow out under Bennett.

‘‘I started my career with him and will probably end it with him - I believe that would be the best thing to do,’’ said Hodges, who is off contract at the end of next year.