Hodges out of Cup

Star Brisbane Broncos centre Justin Hodges has been ruled out of Australia's World Cup squad with a shoulder injury.

The 26-year-old Queenslander, whose 2008 season was twice interrupted by suspensions including an eight-week ban that sidelined him for the second and third State of Origin matches, requires immediate surgery to repair an injury he has carried for several months.

"I have got a couple of tears in my shoulder," Hodges said. "The doctor has told me I need to get it done straight away. It's very disappointing because I was looking forward to playing for Australia in a special event like the World Cup."

"The only positive right now is that everything goes well with the surgery next week I should be fit to start the NRL season next year."

St George Illawarra centre Matt Cooper's name was initially thrown up as a potential replacement for Hodges but reportedly needs groin surgery, while Penrith's Michael Jennings is already in camp with Tonga.

With Hodges ruled out, the Broncos will have only Kangaroos captain Darren Lockyer in the squad after fullback Karmichael Hunt was overlooked in favour of Billy Slater and Brett Stewart.

The loss of Hodges comes on top of earlier injuries to Michael Crocker, who was last week picked by coach Ricky Stuart only to be ruled out by a broken rib, Ryan Hoffman (ankle) and Willie Mason (knee).

Stuart was also unable to call on centre Mark Gasnier after the former St George Illawarra skipper was released from his NRL contract and linked up with French club Stade Francais as soon as the Dragons' season was over.