Bulldogs talk to Josh Hodgson after stepping down as Raiders co-captain
The Bulldogs have made inquiries to prise Josh Hodgson out of Canberra.
In a further development surrounding the immediate playing future of the English international, Raiders management fielded a call from representatives of the Bulldogs two weeks ago.
The Raiders were asked if they would let Hodgson go for the remainder of the 2021 season.
The Bulldogs have their long-term targets set on Storm dummy-half Brandon Smith, but believed Hodgson would prove dynamic in transitioning the club through a tough season this year.
Canterbury have also used a high rotation of dummy-halves due to injuries in the position including Sione Katoa, Jeremy Marshall-KIng and Brad Deitz.
Bulldogs officials have confirmed to
The Daily Telegraph that Hodgson was considered as a short-term solution.
However, the Raiders quickly rejected the overtures, believing Hodgson was vital to their own premiership campaign.
The Dogs interest in Hodgson beyond this season would depend on the club’s first focus, which is believed to be Smith, who they can’t negotiate until November 1.
Hodgson on Tuesday relinquished his role as the Raiders’ co-captain.
Hodgson’s decision two weeks ago came as a shock to some at the Raiders and raises huge questions about his long-term future in the nation’s capital.
Hodgson explained his decision to relinquish the captaincy, “I’ve made the decision to stand down as club Captain and I informed the team of this a couple of weeks ago,” the veteran hooker said on a statement issued via the Raiders website.
“I’ve been out injured for the past two games and I’ve been working hard on getting myself back on the training field. I’m confident I’ll be ready to play again when we play the Bulldogs next weekend.
“I can assure everyone that I remain fully committed to the club and I’m looking forward to getting myself back to 100% fitness and helping the team get their season back on track.”
And in another stunning development it has emerged that Hodgson has been at the centre of talks in Brisbane about the potential of trying to lure him to the Broncos next season.
The Hodgson development is intriguing given the debate this season about whether the Raiders play better with Tom Starling as the starting hooker.
The Raiders also have an outstanding prospect rising through the ranks with former Kirwan High hooker Adrian Trevilyan rated a future star.
In fairness to Hodgson, he is returning from an ACL knee injury that ruined his last year but in 2019 was one of the most dominant players in the competition.
Neither coach Ricky Stuart or Hodgson wanted to make comment on Tuesday night but a club statement is expected on Wednesday.
No Cookies
www.dailytelegraph.com.au