Josh Hodgson speaks out on revealing contract clause that could alter his future with the Parramatta Eels
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 21: Josh Hodgson of the Raiders passes the ball during the round two NRL match between the Cronulla Sharks and Canberra Raiders at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on March 21, 2021 in Sydney, Australia. Photo by Speed Media/Icon Sportswire RUGBY: MAR 21 NRL Rd2 - Sharks v Raiders Icon210321012
There had been claims two days ago that new Parramatta Eels recruit Josh Hodgson could have his stay at the club cut short.
The Sydney Morning Herald had reported that Parramatta have an option in their favour to trigger the final year of Hodgson’s two-year contract, which expires at the end of 2024.
But, with the hooker currently out for the season with a devastating knee injury, the Eels may well have been tempted to move on quicker than first expected.
Hodgson has had to undergo a serious knee reconstruction after going down in Canberra Raiders’ first game of the season against the Cronulla Sharks.
The hooker now faces a race against time to be fit for his first season in Parramatta colours in 2023.
However, Hodgson himself cleared up the contract situation, denying any controversy.
“There is an option in both favours so I have got two years, there is a player option and a club option in that one, so I am there for two years just to clear that one up,” Hodgson said on the Fox League podcast.
“I heard about the story, but there’s an option in my favour and in the club’s favour which is obviously different in salaries, that’s why it is negotiated like that but there is an option in both favours so it will be a two-year deal.”
The 32-year-old has scored 14 tries in 138 games for the Raiders since debuting for the NRL back in 2015, whilst he has also scored 37 tries in 136 Super League games for Hull KR and has played 23 Tests for England and Great Britain.