Justin Hodges fuelled the Test selection fire after another outstanding performance in Brisbane's workmanlike 30-6 NRL victory over Penrith at Suncorp Stadium.

Hodges did little the douse the fire set by his club and former national coach Wayne Bennett, who cast doubts prior to the game that new Australian coach Ricky Stuart would want the former Roosters centre in his side to play New Zealand in next month's Anzac Test.

Hodges made some crucial breaks, including a 40-metre run in which he fended off three Penrith players with his big right palm.

He also slipped a perfect pass to skipper Darren Locker to sprint 70 metres to put Brisbane 24-0 up midway through the second half.

Bennett's pre-game comments suggested their could be bad blood between Stuart and Hodges.

The 23-year-old centre did little to lay that speculation to rest after the win.

"I really don't know what the relationship is like," said Hodges.

"At the end of the day, all I can do it keep playing good footy.

"I'm not really worried. If I keep playing well, then he'll probably be the one who looks silly, not me.

"If don't make it, I don't make it and I look forward to hopefully playing for Queensland and proving them wrong.

"It's up to the selectors and Ricky who they pick. If it's not me, it's his problem, it's theirs.

"I'll probably be a bit upset, but I'll just keep playing well for the Broncos. That's where my heart is."

Lockyer, who's been the centre of extensive Test speculation, said he's never seen Hodges' attitude any better or seen him work harder.

The current Test five-eighth was not interested in buying into speculation he could play fullback, or even be named on the bench for the May 5 Test in Brisbane, with North Queensland's Johnathan Thurston pushing to get his No.6 jumper.

"I don't worry about it," said Lockyer, who could be named at fullback with Anthony Minichiello moving back to the wing.

It was bad day for the Panthers, not just on the scoreboard.

Centre Luke Lewis will have his left knee scanned after a heavy collision which left him with a cork and possible medial ligament damage.

Halfback Craig Gower was unable to continue midway through the second half after aggravating a rib injury while Kiwi Test prop Frank Pritchard was put on report by referee Shayne Hayne for a suspected lifting tackle in the 42nd minute.

Brisbane led 12-0 at halftime and scored five tries to one, including a drought-breaker to centre Shaun Berrigan, who had been tryless since round 20 last year.

The last try involved an exchange of passes between props Petero Civoniceva and Shane Webcke before Civoniceva presented himself with a birthday four-pointer just before fulltime.

"I'm no different to the crowd, I'm a football fan with a bit more responsibility," said Bennett.

"I don't think there was person at the ground who wasn't excited about what happened.

"For Bulla (Civoniceva) to finish it off with a try it was like we'd won the game in the last minute."

Hodges showed he can just about do it all by converting Civoniceva's try with a stab kick.

"That was pretty scary. It's a lot easier kicking them at training," he quipped.

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