The warning signs are now obvious but an injury-prone Justin Hodges admits he may need regular breaks for the rest of his NRL career to avoid yet another hamstring complaint.

Hodges said on Wednesday nothing would stop him returning for the Broncos' NRL finals clash with New Zealand Warriors at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

But the Test centre conceded he would have no choice but to sit on the sidelines once the tell-tale signs of potential injury reared its head again.

Hodges missed two weeks from his third hamstring complaint of the year, ensuring he has missed 10 games in 2011.

Hodges, 29, confirmed he would have to manage back-related hamstring problems for the rest of his career, but was confident of nursing his body through at least the NRL finals.

"I am sick of it," he said of his hamstring problems.

"(But) there are (warning) signs.

"Normally around that eight-game mark I sort of get tight and sore so next year I will have to see how I go.

"You want to try and play every game, but I think now and even next year if I get those signs I will probably have to sit out a week.

"It is just one of those things I have to work on my back strength - if I do that hopefully the hammy stuff will go away."

But Hodges - who recently re-signed for another three years - added: "The body feels fine.

"Hopefully I can get through these next few games unscathed, have a rest and come back next year injury-free."

Hodges' return is a shot in the arm for a Broncos side still reeling from the loss of rampaging forward Sam Thaiday (suspension) and fullback Josh Hoffman (knee).

Hodges could especially feel for Hoffman after the livewire No.1 broke down on the eve of the NRL finals.

"I think it is tough break for Hoffman," he said.

"He's been one of our best players all year.

"It is a big downer for us to lose him so late in the season.

"They are massive shoes for Bealey (Gerard Beale) to fill."

Still, Hodges was more than confident Beale - who made the New Zealand national squad earlier this year - was up to the task lining up against some of his countrymen.

"We stuck Bealey back there earlier when Hoffy was injured and I think he got picked for the New Zealand side so we don't lose too much," Hodges said.

"We would rather have Hoffy at the back but I am sure Bealey will do a fantastic job.

"The whole year we practice for these types of things if they do happen - we have a heap of players who can cover spots."

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