Even when he's not on the field needling opposition players, Justin Hodges can't help but casually lob a stick of dynamite across state lines.

"Everyone knows what we've done, we'll just leave the talking to them," Hodges said when asked about Queensland's critics within the Blues.

"We just play football. And obviously set records."

Half playful, semi-serious ... it was Hodges to a tee, reminiscent of Shaquille O'Neal's work when asked about his motivations during lucrative contract negotiations: "I'm tired of hearing about money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game. Drink Pepsi. Wear Reebok."

If Hodges has been in a reflective mood ahead of his Origin finale, the Blues can finally start to imagine a series not punctuated by Hodges' relentless chirping. Throw Michael Ennis into the cauldron on Wednesday night and it could be too much for both teams to handle.

When history revisits Hodges' 13-year, 22-game Origin career, there won't be any shortage of content. There was the infamous, in-goal pass on debut in 2002 that gave Braith Anasta the easiest try he's ever scored.

To this day, Hodges still hasn't watched a replay, even though Queensland would go on to win the match.

"We were in Proserpine the other day and they had all the tries leading up and 2002 came on and as soon as that came on I walked out because I knew what was coming next," he said.

"I copped it for a while. Even my own teammates at the Roosters used to give it to me when we used to kick the ball in-goal ... 'make sure Hodgo doesn't throw it' and all that sort of stuff.

"You've got to have thick skin in this game but to me it's made me a better player."

If Hodges has developed a tough hide, his opponents must be made of leather. Those, like long-term foe Matt Cooper and now Michael Jennings, have been privy to his special brand of chatter for years.

Hodges has never denied being a devout follower of the art of mental disintegration but insists the line is rarely crossed on the field. He gets as good as he gives and considers it an essential part of unsettling opposing players.

"In the heat of the battle it just happens. All it takes is one bad tackle or one bad pass and it's get sparked up quite easily. The good thing about is that the players don't overstep the boundaries, it's all in fun," Hodges said.

"It's all about trying to upset the opposition. If someone has got a star player in their side and they're carving you up you've got to try and do something to slow them down.

"Obviously your tackling's not working so you've got to go with something else. It's always in the spirit of the game, you don't go too far with it."

Of course there is more to the Hodges game than words. He remains one of the best dummy-half runners in the league and his awkward right-foot jink and deceptive fend have accounted for countless defenders.

But at 33, he has no doubt his time in Origin has run its course. He made the decision last year and hasn't wavered since. A discussion with close friend Brent Tate, who was forced into retirement due to injury, only made him felt like the difficult call was correct.

"I spoke to Tatey a little bit and he just said, 'Are you sure this is it?' and I said 'yeah'. We've always been close and we've been roomies for ages and we always thought we were going to go out together this year," Hodges said.

"That was our plan that we were talking about last year but his body didn't allow him too and I don't want to go out that way as well.

"I want to go out on my own terms and not be pushed out or not be injured as well. As a footy player you always want to leave on your terms and I think this year is the right time."