Former Castleford Tigers fullback Bailey Hodgson has joined Manly Sea Eagles hoping to rekindle his NRL career after it has repeatedly been stalled by injuries at Newcastle Knights.
A very talented full-back with great strike power and speed, Hodgson has been hampered by bad luck since making his Super League debut in England as an 18-year-old for the Castleford Tigers in 2020.
His impressive form in England was enough for the Newcastle Knights to offer him a three-year deal. However, injuries limited ‘Hodgo’ to just 11 games at full-back in the NSW Cup.
Manly Coach Anthony Seibold first noticed 21-year-old Hodgson when working as a consultant for the Knights in between his time with England Rugby.
Seibold knew of Hodgson’s untapped potential, offering him a supplementary list contract with the Sea Eagles for 2024.
This contract is his chance to secure a long term deal in the NRL but this contract also means he is available to Super League clubs for 2025. The NRL rules also allow immediate negotiations but Hodgson will likely bide his time.
The fullback has a big decision to make during the season but a talented player he could still secure an amazing NRL career.
Former Castleford Tigers star confident ahead of 2024
Picture by Isabel Pearce/SWpix.com – 22/10/2020 – Rugby League – Betfred Super League – Castleford Tigers v Hull KR – The Totally Wicked Stadium, Langtree Park, St Helens, England – Bailey Hodgson of Castleford.
“I see my time at Manly as an opportunity to learn more,’’ an honest Hodgson said to the club’s official website.
“Kalyn and Tom are different players. Kalyn is naturally gifted and things just happen for him effortlessly. Tom has a very high work ethic and is an in and around the ruck sort of player.
“I feel I’m similar to Tom in that way. It’s good to just watch him at training. I look at everything, from his competitiveness, how he plays, how he sets himself up in certain positions, to how he puts himself into the team.
“Tom has already spoken to me about a few things I can work on defensively and in attack, so that’s been great for me.”
It is a big season for Hodgson but he could very well cement himself in the NRL.
