Josh Hodgson transfer on brink of sensational collapse

Josh Hodgson’s eagerly-awaited transfer to the Wests Tigers is on the brink of collapse.

That’s according to the Daily Telegraph which has reported that the English hooker is nailed on to stay put to see out the final year of his Canberra Raiders deal.

The Tigers have reportedly set a deadline for midnight Monday, but it appears as though Hodgson will not be joining Wests unless there is a major change of decision from the number nine.

It is thought that Wests were keen to pay Hodgson $500,000 a year, but given that his current contract amounts to over almost $900,000, it has become a major sticking point between all parties.

Canberra are, however, keen to promote from within with Tom Starling gearing up to be first choice number nine from 2022 onwards – which could be the final nail in Hodgson’s Raiders career.

Starling, meanwhile, has been spoken to by police in New South Wales for the second time in under a year after trying to attend a club – only to be refused entry – which could jeopardise Starling’s future at Canberra, as well as potentially throwing Hodgson’s transfer away from the Raiders into question.

Hodgson has been a firm fan favourite in the Australian capital since joining in 2015, with over 150 games under his belt for the Raiders, but his contract runs out at the end of 2022 and Canberra have been keen to part ways now.