A former representative centre who played 24 Origin matches for the Maroons, Hodges views the appointment as the “next step” in his coaching journey.

Since retiring at the end of the 2015 season, Hodges has been actively involved in Queensland’s development programs.

He enjoyed the opportunity to mentor Queensland’s U16 team in 2016 and earlier this year he addressed the state’s Under 20 hopefuls as part of the QAS Emerging program.

“We had a camp earlier on in the year where I spoke and you almost get brought to tears every time you speak about the Queensland jersey,” Hodges said.

“I know what it means to the players who wore it before me and when I pulled that jersey on it meant everything to me.”

Hodges said “mateship” would be the key ingredient to breaking the young Blues’ stranglehold on the Under 20s age group.

“It’s important that the boys come into camp and we create a bond and friendship that you see with the (senior) Queensland side,” he said.

“We’ve created a family where mates become mates for the rest of their lives. I want to make sure the boys really love each other, respect each other and play for each other.”

Former Maroons halfback Scott Prince will join the Under 20s camp as an assistant coach, while the experienced Paul Dyer will assume the manager’s role.