Ex-Castleford Tigers starlet Bailey Hodgson looks in brilliant shape following Newcastle Knights debut

Former Castleford Tigers academy graduate Bailey Hodgson looks in incredible shape as he begins a new season with the Newcastle Knights.

Having made the move to the NRL back at the end of 2020, Hodgson will be determined to get some game time in 2022 after spending 2021 patiently waiting in the wings for an opportunity.

The fullback has already seen fellow youngster and Englishman Dominic Young make his debut and look every bit the part in the Newcastle side and so he will be hoping to do the same this season.

The Hodgson family has already been part of the NRL for a great deal of time with Josh leaving the UK back in 2015 to join the Canberra Raiders.

And, now the youngest of the lot – Jeylan – has also become the latest to travel halfway across the world to join Bailey at the Knights.

Since Josh made the move seven years ago, the hooker has made almost 150 NRL appearances for the Green Machine, though rumours of his departure to the Wests Tigers continue to mount.

Meanwhile, Bailey is going from strength-to-strength in the Knights’ reserve grades after joining at the end of the 2019 season from local side Castleford Tigers.

Bailey made just one appearance for the Tigers before moving on a three-year deal – though he has yet to make his NRL debut.

It does look promising, though, as Hodgson gained essential game time in Newcastle’s 16-16 apiece draw with Canterbury Bulldogs at the weekend.