Ayshford up for Hodges challenge

[Discussion_Bot]

The prospect of going head-to-head with a Test centre can be a daunting experience, but Wests Tigers youngster Blake Ayshford is desperate to get the job marking Brisbane ace Justin Hodges. Shifted from his regular right centre to the left edge last weekend as coach Tim Sheens continued tinkering with his injury-depleted squad, Ayshford said he was keen to stick with the switch and go up against Hodges. The Broncos star has taken little time to get back in the groove after missing the entire 2010 campaign with a snapped Achilles tendon, with many experts tipping him to be rushed into the Australian side for next month's Test against New Zealand. "Most of the time I'm on the other side and they're on the same side as me, such as a (Mark) Gasnier or a Hodges, but if I get the chance I'll take it with both hands. "It's not every day you get to play an Australian representative. "I got (Greg) Inglis a couple of weeks ago I was pretty excited about that, if I get Justin Hodges I'll be even more thrilled. "It's extra drive when you come up against those Australian players, Hodges, he's come back from a season off and he's already shown what he can do, he'll probably get back in the Australian team the way he's playing." After shutting down Inglis a fortnight ago, Ayshford said it was imperative that he did a good job on Hodges after the Tigers conceded 20 unanswered points in last week's loss to Gold Coast. "My game is about defence, I've always been okay in the attack department it's just my defence which has let me down a lot of times," Ayshford said. "If I can get that right in most games then I feel my attack can get the job done. "He's the Australian centre, he's got all the step all the flair, I've just got to try and minimise him." Having struggled to keep the same on the paddock for consecutive weeks this season, the Tigers were forced into more changes this week with Todd Payten (ankle) and Allan Schirnack (shoulder) sidelined. Prop Keith Galloway and backrower Liam Fulton have both been named to return from injury, though Chris Heighington remains in doubt as he contests the grading of a high tackle charge. [Source](http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/ayshford-up-for-hodges-challenge-20110419-1dn9n.html)

 

[happy_tiger]

Ayshford is up for the challenge He won't let us down Hodges isn't at the same level he was when he left the game with injury . He is also the guy we need to focus our attack also Niggle him upset him and he will give away silly penalties . His lateral movement also appears to be compromised also and is another area we can focus our attack at .

 

[Demps]

Hodges is on his last legs, shouldn't be too difficult for young gun Ayshford to run rings around him.
Should be more concerned with the other fresh meat on the Broncs team because Hodges is the last of any ones worries.
He'll probably pick up an injury and have to throw the towel in.

 

[Cultured_Bogan]

Hodges is on his last legs, shouldn't be too difficult for young gun Ayshford to run rings around him.
Should be more concerned with the other fresh meat on the Broncs team because Hodges is the last of any ones worries.
He'll probably pick up an injury and have to throw the towel in.

:laughing:

Priceless Demps…

Once Hodges gains some match fitness, he'll be as dangerous as he ever was.

EDIT: 2000 posts, raising the bat :sign:

 

[Guest]

Hodges is on his last legs, shouldn't be too difficult for young gun Ayshford to run rings around him.
Should be more concerned with the other fresh meat on the Broncs team because Hodges is the last of any ones worries.
He'll probably pick up an injury and have to throw the towel in.

Jesus Demps…I hope you're joking but I assume you're not. Hodges poses a huge threat to the Tigers and is one of those players who you might keep quiet for 60 or 70 minutes but sure enough he can throw a fend and step on someone and win the game as a result. Ayshford isn't the quickest centre around so I hardly see him running rings around Hodges either.

 

[underdog]

hodges is the one person who worries me with Ayshford. Ayshford is generally a defensive brick wall, however, Hodges has the knack of beating 1 or 2 players and finding the try line in seemingly impossible situations.

Lets just say after this game, Blake will have a few more hairs on his chest.