NRL

NRL legend Cameron Smith believes ex-Super League star will win the Dally M Medal in 2023

by
Cam Pattison
March 1, 2023

Josh Hodgson, despite making his debut with Hull FC in 2009, made his name at Hull KR.

He made 134 appearances for the Robins as he earnt the move to the Canberra Raiders where he spent seven seasons prior to missing the 2022 season through a heartbreaking injury.

After 138 appearances, he is headed to Parramatta Eels in 2023.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, he explained his latest move.

“I was in a position where I felt like the next wave of kids were coming through at Canberra,” Hodgson said.

“I love the club and didn’t want to leave them in the lurch but I felt like they were in good hands.

“In 2021 I felt I was playing good footy but I was playing 60 minutes at loose forward after starting the game at nine. I didn’t want to transition into a loose forward. I wanted to be one of the best nines in the game and I was seeking out a challenge to do that.

“I can help Parramatta in the middle. I loved working with big middles like Josh Papalii, Joe Tapine and Shannon Boyd. People like that are good to play off your hip.”

He also said he and the squad will be given extra motivation after the Eels’ Grand Final heartbreak in 2022.

“Losing gives you this feeling that has stuck with me every day,” Hodgson said.

“Still to this day. It gives you this weird motivation that it was within touching distance so I know exactly how (the players) are feeling. I’ve never won a grand final. If I retired and didn’t work as hard as I could to win one then I would have regrets.”

So, Hodgson is motivated for a big year and now NRL legend Cameron Smith who won every major honour going during a glittering career including the NRL’s equivalent to the Man of Steel – the Dally M Medal – has backed Hodgson to be crowned the NRL’s player of the year in 2023 at his new club in his predictions on SEN Radio.