Introduction
Josh Hodgson (born October 31, 1989 in Hull) is an English rugby league player for Canberra Raiders in the NRL. He previously played for Hull KR and Hull FC in the Super League. His position of choice is Hooker.
Playing Career
Hull FC
Hodgson began his career at amateur side East Hull ARLFC, and followed in his father's footsteps by signing professionally for Hull FC. Hodgson represented England at Under 17's and 18's level, and progressed through the club's academy ranks to make his Super League debut in 2009.
Hull Kingston Rovers
In September 2009 Hodgson signed for Hull Kingston Rovers. 2013 was arguably Hodgson's finest year to date, the season resulted in him making it a clean sweep at the club's End of Season year awards, picking up all the major honours. The departure of Michael Dobson at the end of the 2013 season meant that Hodgson, along with scrum-half Travis Burns, was named co-captains for the 2014 season.
Canberra Raiders
On 4 August 2014, it was announced that Hodgson has agreed a deal to sign for NRL side Canberra Raiders for the 2015 season on a two-year deal. Canberra had to pay Hull KR a six-figure sum for Hodgson's services.
Hodgson made his debut at Remondis Stadium against the Cronulla Sharks in round one. He would make twenty four appearances in total during 2015 and score two tries with a particularly memorable one winning the match at Pirtek Stadium against the Parramatta Eels in golden point. The Canberra Raiders would finish in tenth position on the premiership ladder and as a result missed the finals.
Hodgson enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2016 as he led the Raiders to a top two finish, the first for the club since the 1995 ARL season. Hodgson would record twenty six appearances and be a favourite for the Daly M Medal. Hodgson would earn a place in the Daly M Medal top ten with eighteen points. In his first NRL finals appearance, he would inspire the Raiders to a twelve point lead over the Cronulla Sharks however would miss out on most of the second half due to an ankle injury. This was the turning point in the match as the Cronulla Sharks would record a 16-14 win. In the lead up to the semi final against the Penrith Panthers much speculation rested on whether Hodgson would play. He was cleared to play and was a standout in the 22-12 triumph. The season would end in Melbourne the following week in a close 14-12 loss. Hodgson was selected by Wayne Bennett for the England Four Nations team.
International career
In 2012, Hodgson was called up to the England Knights squad to play Ireland, where he scored a debut try. In October 2013, he was named captain of England Knights while being first standby for the senior squad. In 2014, Hodgson was selected for the England squad for the 2014 Four Nations in Australia. In 2015, Hodgson was named in the 24-man England team that will take on New Zealand in a three match test-series held in England. Beforehand England took on France in a test match held in Leigh. Josh scored a try in England's try scoring rout over their opponents. He scored his second test try a week later in England's 26-12 win over New Zealand in the first Baskerville Shield test.
In 2016, Hodgson was named in the 24-man England team that will play in the 2016 Four Nations. Before the tournament began, he featured in a test match against France.