Brisbane skipper Darren Lockyer has played down fitness concerns surrounding dangerous fullback Karmichael Hunt after he failed to train two days out from the club's NRL crunch clash with the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium.

With most of the attention focused on the shock comeback of retired hardman Tonie Carroll, Hunt's training absence was almost overlooked on Wednesday.

"K's ankle is sore but he's just taking it easy this week," explained Lockyer, displaying no signs of concern.

Brisbane are already reeling from the loss of tough front-rower Nick Kenny (knee), but have been boosted by the eagerly-awaited return of representative centre Justin Hodges, who hasn't played since injuring his knee in the first Origin game in Melbourne last month.

Hunt had precautionary scans on Monday after bravely playing in the 21-14 loss to Parramatta last Sunday.

While the scans cleared the 22-year-old custodian of any fracture or break, his absence from the paddock so close to the game must be a little concerning for coach Ivan Henjak.

Hunt is still weighing up his future with reports he's set to head overseas at the end of the season to play rugby for more than $1 million to escape Brisbane's fishbowl existence.

The additions of Carroll and Hodges, two exceptional defenders, will not only help Brisbane's sagging confidence but also its misfiring defence.

Brisbane conceded 138 points in three games without Hodges before turning in a much better effort last weekend against Parramatta.

"Missing one guy didn't affect our attitude, that was right across the board and we've addressed that and showed what we we're capable of on Sunday," said Lockyer.

"Hodgo is one of those guys who brings confidence to a team.

"We missed Israel (Folau) last week but he's back.

"Having those guys in the dressing room before the game creates confidence in the team."

Brisbane have been through slumps before under former coach Wayne Bennett during and after State of Origin.

They struggled through a bad losing streak during Origin in 2006 on the way to winning the premiership.

However they had more depth than the current Broncos side and a coach with more experienced than Henjak, who is in his first season after replacing Bennett.

Lockyer conceded the size of the margins prior to the Eels loss - the first time in Brisbane's history they have conceded more than 40 points three games in a row - was unusual.

"The only difference was the three heavy losses we had, that was un-Bronco like," he said.

"But I think we came a long way on Sunday with our attitude.

"Even though we're out of the (top) eight, we're not far from getting back in.

"A good performance of Friday and hopefully a win followed by a bye next week and we're back in the ball game."

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