Hodges ruptured his ACL almost a year ago at the Auckland Nines and was subsequently ruled out for 2016.

With his contract up, Manly chose to let him go despite the 23-year-old starring for the side in 2014 and 2015.

He is back in Cairns with family and doing his own pre-season training in the hope of landing a contract for 2017.

He has spoken to Cronulla but they are believed to be hunting James Segeyaro who recently left the Super League.

“I was waiting in Sydney for an NRL opportunity and the waiting game was just a bit tough, especially being away from family,” Hodges told Fox Sports.

“It’ll mean everything to me getting another opportunity. It’s what I want.

“I had a good meeting with Flanno (Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan) but obviously they’re trying to get Chicko (James Segeyaro). He’s been linked to the club.

 “If they don’t get him they’d be interested.

“(We’ve had) talks with a couple of other clubs, but that’s all it is, it’s just talks.

“I’m pretty confident that I’ll get something. I’ve just got to be patient.”