SHARKS coach Ricky Stuart is hoping classy Brisbane centre Justin Hodges takes time repaying a debt he believes he owes teammates following his seven week stint on the sidelines.

Cairns product Hodges returns from a lengthy suspension for his sickening tackle on Parramatta hooker Mark Riddell in June determined to repay teammates and fans, even if it means getting off-side with Stuart who’ll coach the Kangaroos in the forthcoming World Cup.

"I just hope he doesn’t repay them in one fell swoop," said Stuart after the Sharks trained in the wet in Sydney before flying north.

Brisbane assistant coach Ivan Henjak said Hodges was aware how much his actions had put Brisbane behind the eight ball and how much they had struggled without him.

Henjak, who’ll have forwards Tonie Carroll and prop Nick Kenny available after the pair came through fitness tests yesterday, said he expected Sharks utility Greg Bird to make an early comeback from a knee injury tonight.

While the aggressive utility said he doubted he had enough "run in his legs" to be a surprise starter, he still joined teammates on the Brisbane-bound flight.

Stuart painted a different story, suggesting Henjak’s instincts may be on the money. "We’re travelling up with 19, I wouldn’t have brought him (Bird) up if I thought that was the case," Stuart said.

Henjak had no doubt Bird would play. "He’s due back in another week but usually when they’re playing against us, guys seem to come back from injury and generally make an appearance.

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