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THEY are hardly the fighting words you would expect to hear from the Canterbury and NSW No. 7, two days before the Friday night blockbuster against the Sydney Roosters, and 14 days out before Origin I.
But Trent Hodkinson is honest enough to admit his form is down, and says he needs to start getting more involved in games.
Hodkinson has been under intense scrutiny the opening nine rounds of the season, which is common place with any NSW incumbent halfback.
Canterbury are struggling.
Hodkinson’s regular halves partner Josh Reynolds has been missing at various stages because of suspension or injury.
If Hodkinson is ready to produce his best, now is the time, against a genuine premiership threat like the Sydney Roosters, and their star halves Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney, who are pushing for their own Origin return.
This could be a real season-defining 80 minutes for Hodkinson.
“My form hasn’t been the best, and I’m the first to admit that _ I’ve been below par compared to last year,’’ Hodkinson said.
“I’ve got to stick with it, and it’s still early in the season.
“I’ve got to go out there Friday and have a solid game. Having Josh (Reynolds) back definitely helps.
“It’s been a bit interrupted, the combination, even the team has (been interrupted) with suspensions and injuries. But that’s no excuse.
“I’ve got to get my game back on target.
“I need to get more involved. I’ve been a bit hesitant at times, and I’ve got to go with my first instincts. I’ve held back a little.’’
Hodkinson didn’t commence training until February, compared to the full pre-season he enjoyed last year. He underwent stem cell surgery on his left knee, which he said occasionally still weighed on his mind.
Blues coach Laurie Daley has already spoken with Hodkinson to keep him up to speed. Pearce is the man tipped to join him at five-eighth ahead of Reynolds.
The off-contract playmaker isn’t taking his Blues gig for granted, but said if he was selected, he’d do the job.
“You surround yourself with some great players in camp and they just lift you naturally,’’ Hodkinson said.
Did he see the NSW halves race all boiling down to Friday night at ANZ Stadium, the same venue that will host Origin I?
“Who knows? It could well be the game this week,’’ Hodkinson said.
“It’s out of my control selection wise, but it is in my control on the field, so I need to have a big game.’’
Canterbury welcome the return of Reynolds and skipper James Graham.
The Roosters really impressed against the Wests Tigers, with Pearce and Maloney rarely putting a foot wrong.
Hodkinson said of his opposites: “They are creating opportunities, they’re playing with confidence, and it’s showing. Although they got into a little bit of a slump there, they had a good win last week, and they’ll be firing this week.’’
Source
But Trent Hodkinson is honest enough to admit his form is down, and says he needs to start getting more involved in games.
Hodkinson has been under intense scrutiny the opening nine rounds of the season, which is common place with any NSW incumbent halfback.
Canterbury are struggling.
Hodkinson’s regular halves partner Josh Reynolds has been missing at various stages because of suspension or injury.
If Hodkinson is ready to produce his best, now is the time, against a genuine premiership threat like the Sydney Roosters, and their star halves Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney, who are pushing for their own Origin return.
This could be a real season-defining 80 minutes for Hodkinson.
“My form hasn’t been the best, and I’m the first to admit that _ I’ve been below par compared to last year,’’ Hodkinson said.
“I’ve got to stick with it, and it’s still early in the season.
“I’ve got to go out there Friday and have a solid game. Having Josh (Reynolds) back definitely helps.
“It’s been a bit interrupted, the combination, even the team has (been interrupted) with suspensions and injuries. But that’s no excuse.
“I’ve got to get my game back on target.
“I need to get more involved. I’ve been a bit hesitant at times, and I’ve got to go with my first instincts. I’ve held back a little.’’
Hodkinson didn’t commence training until February, compared to the full pre-season he enjoyed last year. He underwent stem cell surgery on his left knee, which he said occasionally still weighed on his mind.
Blues coach Laurie Daley has already spoken with Hodkinson to keep him up to speed. Pearce is the man tipped to join him at five-eighth ahead of Reynolds.
The off-contract playmaker isn’t taking his Blues gig for granted, but said if he was selected, he’d do the job.
“You surround yourself with some great players in camp and they just lift you naturally,’’ Hodkinson said.
Did he see the NSW halves race all boiling down to Friday night at ANZ Stadium, the same venue that will host Origin I?
“Who knows? It could well be the game this week,’’ Hodkinson said.
“It’s out of my control selection wise, but it is in my control on the field, so I need to have a big game.’’
Canterbury welcome the return of Reynolds and skipper James Graham.
The Roosters really impressed against the Wests Tigers, with Pearce and Maloney rarely putting a foot wrong.
Hodkinson said of his opposites: “They are creating opportunities, they’re playing with confidence, and it’s showing. Although they got into a little bit of a slump there, they had a good win last week, and they’ll be firing this week.’’
Source
