Arvo Wrap

Penrith have dropped prop Joel Clinton from their side to play Newcastle on Sunday after he admitted to drinking alcohol on a day off.

Four Panthers were fined for breaching a club policy and it is believed Brisbane-bound Clinton's axing came after he objected to the original penalty. Panthers manager Michael Leary says the club has firm rules about drinking in the lead-up to a match, even on days off.

He refused to name the other three players involved. Penrith are yet to name a replacement for Clinton for the EnergyAustralia Stadium clash.

But other media reports suggested Craig Gower, Trent Waterhouse and Brendon Worth were also involed. Clinton will head to Brisbane next season.

Meanwhile, injury-battered Brisbane have had some good news with Test centre Justin Hodges declaring himself fit to play against the Bulldogs at Suncorp Stadium tonight.

Hodges had been in doubt after coming down with a virus during the week. Brisbane desperately need a win to remain in the top eight three weeks out from the finals.