Lockyer out, Hodges racing the clock

Darren Lockyer has ruled out an injury comeback against the Gold Coast on Friday while Test centre Justin Hodges is in doubt for the NRL showdown with a neck injury.

Lockyer won't push a comeback against the Titans and will give his troublesome right knee more rest time in his bid to get back to playing in time for Australia's May 9 Test with New Zealand and the upcoming Origin series.

Hodges meanwhile will have intensive physio on his neck which he hurt attempting to prevent Newcastle's Kurt Gidley from scoring the first try in Sunday's win over the Knights.

Hodges, due to have scans Monday, was experiencing considerable neck pain after landing on his head and pushing it into the ground.

"I'm hoping it will settle down in the next few days and I'll be right to play," Hodges said Monday.

"I tried to roll Kurt over in the tackle but my head hit the ground first and he rolled over the top of me.

"I heard sort of, probably not a crack, but more grinding feeling in my neck.

"I was in a lot of pain and I couldn't tackle, I had to keep putting my neck down to get some feeling in it."

The Titans have their own worries with five-eighth Mat Rogers on report for a lifting tackle on Luke Burt that could jeopardise his place in the blockbuster.