Hodgson was at long odds to feature this weekend after being carried from the field with a suspected broken ankle in last Saturday’s 16-14 loss to Cronulla. 

Austin has not played since Round 25 after the No.6 suffered a broken hand at training.

It was thought his season was over.

Both players trained for the full session in Friday’s captains run and have been given the all clear to play following the teams recovery session.

“I am a bit surprised, but at the same time excited. The physios have been fantastic and sorted me out straight away once it happened,” Hodgson said. 

“I spent three full days in the physio room getting the bruising and swelling sorted out. I’m really grateful and looking forward to the game tomorrow.

“These are the games you want to play. This is why you play rugby league, to play on the big stage in the big games. It’s going to be tough but we are aiming to make it a lot tougher for them."

Austin said he was confident he had recovered enough to get through the rigours of semi-final football.

“To get out in front of a full GIO stadium is exciting. I can’t wait to get out there and do my part for the team and hopefully we can get the win,” he said.

“We are all pretty excited and like our chances. If we stick at what we need to do we are going to be well and truly in the game.”