Josh Griffin is England’s best centre, says Brett Hodgson
Josh Griffin is currently England’s leading centre, according to Hull coach Brett Hodgson.
The 31-year-old former Wakefield, Castleford and Salford centre is in England coach Shaun Wane’s elite training squad and, coming off a man-of-the-match performance in Hull’s 18-12 win at Leeds on Sunday night, is in arguably the best form of his career.
Hodgson said: “For me he is (England’s best centre). It’s obviously up to Shaun Wane but, whichever way he decides to go, he won’t let down him if he chooses him.
“We’re really pleased with what Griff has been doing for us. Defensively he’s very strong and he’s a big presence.
“The boys love him, he’s a great character in the group.”
Griffin will get another chance to press his case for a spot in the England team to play the Combined Nations All Stars in June when Hull take on champions St Helens on Friday, when he could go up against current England centre Mark Percival.
Friday’s game will also mark winger Adam Swift’s return to the Totally Wicked Stadium for the first time since he left St Helens.
Swift made just five appearances in his first season with the Black and Whites in 2020 but has started all seven league matches so far this year to justify his selection.
Hodgson said: “I knew of his quality prior to coming to Hull after a number of years in Super League. I knew how good he was.
“The one thing Adam needed was a little bit of confidence. He needed to trust that he was good enough to play at the level constantly, which we always knew.
“His pre-season training effort allowed him to get a start and he has held onto it.
“Adam has been excellent and there is no reason to suggest he won’t play well against his former team.”
Hodgson says prop Josh Bowden is back in contention for that match after recovering from an elbow injury.
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