Incumbent Blues half Trent Hodkinson has finally admitted his form hasn’t been up to scratch heading into his showdown with rival Mitchell Pearce.

“My form hasn’t been the best, and I’m the first to admit that I’ve been below par compared to last year,’’ Hodkinson said.

“I’ve got to stick with it, and it’s still early in the seaso.

“I’ve got to go out there Friday and have a solid game. Having Josh [Reynolds] back definitely helps.

“It’s been a bit interrupted, the combination, even the team has [been interrupted] with suspensions and injuries. But that’s no excuse.”