Canberra Raiders centre Joel Monaghan is preparing to play a much bigger role in Australia's World Cup campaign, following Justin Hodges's injury-enforced withdrawal from the Kangaroos squad yesterday.

Scans revealed yesterday Hodges would require a full shoulder reconstruction, ending the Brisbane centre's campaign before it began.

He will undergo surgery early next week.

While the loss of Hodges is a massive blow for the Australians, it has opened the door for Monaghan to claim a starting berth for the Kangaroos.

He is likely to play alongside either Melbourne Storm sensation Greg Inglis or New Zealand Warriors veteran Brent Tate in a new-look Kangaroos centre pairing.

Monaghan hoped Hodges's withdrawal would allow him to make his Test debut in Australia's World Cup opener against New Zealand on October 26.

"It's a loss for the team, he's probably the best centre in the NRL," Monaghan said.

"But obviously there will be more chances there for me now.

"He definitely would have been a starting centre so it does open the door a bit. It's good for me, but unlucky for him and a bit of bad luck for the team."

Hodges cut a shattered figure as he trudged out of the specialist's office yesterday.

"I'm 26 now, it's probably my last chance to play in one [World Cup], so for me it's real gutting," Hodges said.

"It's sort of like this year, very heartbreaking. It's just one of those things that happens in footy I guess."

Australian selectors and coach Ricky Stuart will decide on a replacement for Hodges by the end of the week.

Brisbane fullback Karmichael Hunt is expected to be among the top chances.

Stuart has several options to cover the loss of Hodges in his starting team.

If he opts to keep Inglis and Israel Folau on his wings, as he did in the centenary Test earlier this year, Monaghan and Tate would be the obvious centre pairing.