Australian star Justin Hodges is believed to be under an injury cloud with Willie Tonga called into the Kangaroos camp on the eve of Friday's rugby league Test against New Zealand.

Centre Hodges has played six NRL games this season after sitting out 2010 with an Achilles injury.

It's uncertain if he's been ruled out or if North Queensland centre Tonga - who'd been preparing to play against St George-Illawarra on Sunday - has been brought into camp as a precaution in case his Queensland Origin teammate can't play.

An Australian team official, when contacted by AAP on Thursday, was unable to confirm reports Hodges had broken down.

He last played Test football in 2009.

This year, Hodges has shown glimpses of his best for Brisbane who have won their past six straight.

An Australian team spokesman told AAP that Hodges, who has a history of hamstring problems, had experienced back spasms on Thursday morning.

He confirmed Tonga had been called into camp as "cover" for Hodges as he was not involved in the City-Country clash in Albury on Friday night.

The spokesman said it was uncertain if Hodges would attempt to train on Friday afternoon.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP