Plenty of Super League’s best English stars head down under to the NRL to test their abilities with the newest crop to make the switch being Wigan Warriors Kai Pearce-Paul and Huddersfield Giants Will Pryce, both of whom will join Newcastle Knights for 2024.
One Englishman who will no longer be plying his trade in the NRL for 2024 is former Hull FC and Hull KR man Josh Hodgson, with the ex England hooker confirming his retirement from the game.
Hodgson hasn’t played for much of this season with a neck injury having hindered him massively during his first season with Parramatta Eels, and he has now confirmed that he won’t play again as he hangs the boots up aged 33.
Starting his career with a brief spell at Hull FC, Hodgson then went on to play over 100 games for cross city rivals Hull KR where he established himself as one of Super League’s best hookers.
That brought NRL attention and a move to Canberra Raiders, whom he would eventually captain, before moving to Parramatta for the start of the 2023 season in a career that saw 150 NRL games.
His talents were also seen on the international stage as he played 19 times for England but he has sadly confirmed on social media that he’s cutting his career short on account of injuries.
In a post to Instagram, Hodgson said:
“This is never the way I thought I’d be announcing the end of my footy career, but unfortunately I have been forced to medically retire.
“In hindsight it’s probably a blessing because I have always tried pushing through when my body was broken and putting my teammates before everything, but it’s come at a cost.
“That’s professional rugby league I guess…we all know what we sign-up for. I have a lot to be grateful for though, which I what I have been trying to focus on.
“l’d like to thank every club I’ve represented in England and Australia and all the people I’ve worked with over the course of my career…staff behind the scenes, performance specialists, administrators, coaches and most importantly my teammates.
“I also want to thank the rugby league members and fans who we love playing in front of, through all the ups and downs.
“I am retiring knowing I gave everything physically and mentally to the game, every day.
“The hard work brought me a lot of joy, changed our lives and ultimately provided an opportunity to represent England, which is my proudest achievement.
“Last but certainly not least, to my wife Kirby, my kids and extended family…the unconditional love and support you provided was the reason I was able to do it for as long as I did, and for that I’ll forever be appreciative.
“I will be staying in the game which has given me everything, but for now I am looking forward to spending time with family and close friends as we enter the next chapter in our lives together ❤️
“Thanks again guys, Josh”
All at Serious About Rugby League wish Josh the very best in his retirement and future endeavours.
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