Brett Hodgson rules himself out of Combined Nations All Stars job
The Combined Nations All Stars are on the lookout for a new coach for this year’s clash with England, but it won’t be Hull boss Brett Hodgson.
The 43-year-old Australian played three games for the Exiles during his playing days at Warrington between 2011-13.
The Exiles were the old concept of what is now the Combined Nations All Stars; which features the best overseas players in Super League to face England in a mid-season clash.
The All Stars were coached by Tim Sheens last year. However, he has since returned to Australia in a role with the backroom staff at NRL side Wests Tigers.
Hodgson, who spent his first season as a head coach with Hull in 2021, is a huge fan of the All Stars concept but admitted it is highly unlikely he will be coaching the team this season.
“Probably not at this stage to be fair,” Hodgson said when asked if he fancied the All Stars coaching gig.
“I think there is such a big job here with Hull FC, that’s my priority. We are putting a lot of things in place at the moment from the ground up to ensure we are heading in the right direction over the next four or five years.”
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Former Man of Steel Hodgson wants the concept to be given a proper chance to gain momentum. The Exiles concept only lasted three years.
“I do genuinely support that concept,” he added. “I love that this year it is on a stand-alone weekend.
“If it is going to be done, then it needs to be done right. It needs to be the best players internationally playing against the best English players.
“When you’ve only got a number of players from each team it makes it very difficult to actually reach the peaks that they could do. But in terms of the coaching aspect, I’m happy where I am.
“Provided it is done in a way that everyone can be available and there are no limitations on who can be selected. I know that’s difficult from a club’s perspective because you want your best players the club but I am hopeful that it continues.”
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