BAILEY Hodgson reckons Leigh provide the perfect fit to give his career “a re-set” after cutting short his Australian adventure.
But the new Leopard insists he has no misgivings at leaving Super League to try his luck in the NRL.
More importantly after a number of injury-cursed seasons, Hodgson confirmed to Journal Sport: “My body is fine and I am ready to go.”
The one-time Castleford prospect, for whom he made one first-grade appearance, isn’t expected to feature when Leigh visit his former club tonight, Thursday, bidding for a fourth successive victory.
However, Hodgson, nephew of ex Hull KR, Hull FC and Canberra Raiders star, Josh Hodgson, and older brother of Hull FC prospect, Jeylan Hodgson, is looking to make his mark as soon as possible.
“I have no regrets about going out there,” he confirmed. “I went to challenge myself as a young kid but probably only played about 20 games.
“It might have worked out completely different had I been injury free.”
A fractured elbow, knee problem and shoulder stabilisation surgery all contributed to his limited appearances after joining Newcastle Knights as an 18-year-old in 2021.
Hodgson, who debuted for Tigers against Hull KR in 2020, appeared in the New South Wales Cup before switching to Manly Sea Eagles this season.
Again, injury blighted his time but he says: “All the injuries are behind me.
“I am fully fit though it would be a big ask to throw me in the first week after only being in the country for a few days. But I need to get back playing consistently and everything will follow after that.”
Hodgson, a full back, happy to cover other positions across the backline, began considering his next career move a few months ago.
‘I had a couple of different options and towards the back end of the process Leigh came in.
“I was looking to come home, to have a re-set and a fresh start where I could play top-grade rugby.
“There were other clubs interested but Leigh suited me more with what they offered. It is a club on the rise, with a great coach and squad and attendances which are some of the biggest in Super League. So, it is pretty exciting.”
Hull-born Hodgson was a promising footballer on Leeds United’s radar until he followed family footsteps into rugby league.
“He has had a massive influence on my career,” says Hodgson of uncle Josh.
“Even from being young, and asking him questions and asking him advice. He has always been there to give the best advice.
“But I am definitely not a hooker."
Leigh’s three wins, including a sparking 46-4 rout of St Helens last Friday, has taken them to within five points of the play-offs with a game in hand at Wigan on Tuesday, August 6.
*Nathan Wilde has joined Widnes Vikings on loan after a successful five-game spell at Doncaster. Wilde also featured as Leopards’ reserves beat St Helens 26-14 with two tries from one-time Saints player, Tom Nisbet.
Leigh’s other tries came from: Ralph Woods, Matty Horrocks and Kavan Rothwell. Horrocks also kicked six goals.
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