Canberra Raiders captain Josh Hodgson will play his 100th club game when he runs onto Mt Smart Stadium tomorrow night.
“It’s my fifth year now at the Canberra Raiders and it’s passed by really quick,” Hodgson said. “I feel at home. Not just with footy but outside of the footy they’ve made me feel like part of the city and part of the club.”
The English international was one of Ricky Stuart’s first signings at the club back in 2015 and has continued to set the standard on and off the field since his arrival.
“He’s been instrumental towards the rebuilding of the playing squad,” Stuart said. “Josh and Sia [Soliola] were the first two players I recruited. Their maturity and competitiveness on the field has set a standard for the club and the squad itself.”
“His contribution on game day is an enormous factor for our team and I know the players just love playing with him because he’s such a competitor and his will to win is a point of difference.”
When asked about his favourite moment with the club so far, the hooker didn’t hesitate.
“Obviously my debut,” Hodgson said. “We played the Sharks away in round and that was obviously a really proud moment for me.
“Then you have all the little milestones and things like playing the finals and that atmosphere we had at home against the Sharks and Penrith in 2016.”
Although Friday night marks a significant milestone for the hooker, Hodgson is firmly focused on the future.
“It’s been a quick five years,” Hodgson said. “It seems to have gone in a blink of an eye but hopefully there is plenty more to come yet.”
Hodgson Wary of Warriors Back Three
Dunamis Lui will also reach a significant milestone this Friday as he makes his 50th appearance for the club. Sia Soliola will notch up his second milestone in two weeks when he makes his 300th First Grade appearance across the Super League and NRL.
Josh Hodgson
Raider Number: #325
Club Awards: 2016 Meninga Medal
Club Appearances: 99
Club Tries: 11
