Ex-Hull FC and Salford winger hangs up his boots

Former Salford and Hull FC winger Jodie Broughton has retired.

Broughton began his career at Queens ARLFC, where he played alongside James Brown, Ben Jones Bishop and Michael McIlorum before all 4 moved on to professional careers.

A move to the Leeds Rhinos Academy, where he captained the U21 side, led to a two-year spell at Hull FC before moving on to Salford for 4 years where he registered 60 tries in 99 games.

A move to Huddersfield Giants resulted in 31 appearances and 16 Tries, with the Giants finishing second and third in the Super League table.

During all of this time, he remarkably carried on working, in a career as a Quantity Surveyor.

Then came what Jodie describes as the best spell of his career, a move to Catalans Dragons, where he spent 4 years. An unfortunate run of injuries restricted appearances to 52, still crossing the line an incredible 38 times for the French side.

“It’s just a fantastic club with a real family atmosphere. Everyone gets involved. The supporters, sponsors squad and officials are all together as one. I feel privileged to have spent 4 years there and loved every minute”

For the ill-fated 2020 season, a return to the UK was on the cards, and although only able to play 4 times for Halifax before the season was cut short, he still managed 5 tries, before making the move to Batley Bulldogs for 2021.

Once again, his game to try ratio remained outstanding with 13 appearances for the Bulldogs resulting in 13 tries.

“Batley is a fantastic club and to have spent my final year playing there has been amazing. There’s a very similar feel to Catalans, apart from the weather! The club has a special togetherness, I knew plenty of the players already, especially James Brown of course, as we began our journeys together.”

As well as being able to spend more time with his family, Broughton plans now to concentrate on his surveying career and will also stay in the game as he develops a role as a Player Welfare Officer. “It’s something I’m very much looking forward to. Batley have given me the opportunity to work with them and I can’t wait to get started.”

Appearances for the England Knights, and one for England against a Cumbria side in 2010, can be added to the above.

The final word goes to his final coach, Craig Lingard.

“Jodie is the ultimate professional and when you see the quality of club he has played for, there’s no surprise. His approach and attitude at Batley have been first class and it’s been a pleasure to have him around the camp this year, and we’re delighted he’s staying with us as he looks to the next stage of his career.”