Hodgson pens three-year Hull KR deal
Huddersfield Giants winger David Hodgson will join Hull Kingston Rovers on a three-year deal from the beginning of the 2012 campaign.
The former Wigan Warrior is one of Super League‘s most prolific finishers, averaging almost a try in every other game in a career that has spanned over 300 first grade appearances for the Giants, Warriors, Salford City Reds and Halifax.
Hodgson has representative honours to his name with both Great Britain and England and the move signals a return to the city where he grew up having played for Hull Boys Club as an amateur and attending Andrew Marvell School in east Hull.
After four years at the Galpharm Stadium, Hodgson is excited for the new challenge that lies ahead of him at Craven Park in 2012 enabling him to return to his roots.
“It’s where I’m from and I’m really looking forward to getting the chance to play for my hometown team,” said Hodgson. “As a kid playing for Hull Boys you always dream of going on to play for your local club and I’ve got the chance to do that from next year.
“There’s a good base of players at Rovers and I’m looking forward to playing with them and adding to the strength of the squad. “I’ve had some good times at Huddersfield playing in finals and play-offs and it will be a sad day when I say goodbye at the end of the season.
“It’ll be good to have the Rovers fans on my side and hopefully I can do what I’ve done throughout my career and score tries for them.” Robins Chief Executive, Mike Smith, was delighted to capture the signature of one of Super League‘s most potent wingers.
“David is one of the competitions top wingers and his strike rate speaks for itself,” said Smith.
“We’re bringing to the club someone who is proven at this level, is hungry for a new challenge and is excited at the prospect of playing in front of some of the most passionate supporters in the country. “He has scored tries wherever he has been and I’m sure Rovers fans can’t wait to see him do it in the famous red and white in 2012 and beyond.”
Huddersfield Giants Managing Director, Richard Thewlis, paid tribute to the contribution of Hodgson during his time in West Yorkshire.
“Hull KR approached us in the right manner (which is not always the case in our game) and asked for permission to speak with David which we granted,” Thewlis commented.
“I would say that David has been one of our best ever signings in the Super League era which his record amply demonstrates, and he has a wonderful opportunity at Rovers which, with the emergence of younger talent at our club and the constraints of the salary cap, we would not be able to offer him.
“He is an outstanding professional and role model and will leave us at the end of the year with our very best wishes and thanks for his service.
“I congratulate too, Rovers on signing David. We look forward to welcoming them and David back to the Galpharm next year as well as in a fortnights time when we host them on our new pitch in Super League for our ‘Return of the Giants’ homecoming fixture.
“The salary cap rules and regulations are designed to some extent for younger players to make their mark and then earn the better contracts which ultimately means that other players have to move on, which in reality is what has happened in this situation. “