BY RICHARD HOGAN

Retired Brisbane Broncos legend and former representative teammate Justin Hodges says his old side will target the returning Billy Slater tonight at AAMI Park.

Writing for NRL.com, Hodges has no doubt the Broncos will test Slater’s shoulders.

“We all want to see Bill come back and get through unscathed but he is coming back in what is always a big game against the Broncos and his shoulder will get tested.‌” Hodges said.

“There are plenty of blokes in the Brisbane team who know Bill well and have played with him a lot over the years but there will be times in the game where they have to get physical and test that shoulder out.

“Whenever he plays there is a target on his back purely because of the influence he has on that side and you can’t go into a game against him without doing your homework and knowing where he likes to pop up on the field.

“You can’t back off when he’s bringing it back from a kick and if he comes through the middle like we know he can you have to be ready and even though we all want to see him do well, once you step onto the field you’re fair game.”

Slater has played little football in the last two seasons but will start at the back with Cameron Munster shifting into the halves to partner Cooper Cronk.