Josh Hodgson keen to end career in NRL

Correspondent

New Canberra Raiders hooker Josh Hodgson is determined to make a real mark in the NRL next season.

The former Hull KR man, a part of Steve McNamara’s England squad, which is currently Down Under preparing for the Four Nations tournament, would like to spend the rest of his career in Australia.

“People’s expectations are definitely a bit higher now than if no one had gone over to the NRL,” he told Australian reporters.

“It’s a good thing to have, it sets the bar for you and I know it’s not going to be easy getting a place in the Canberra team, I’ll be working as hard as I can to do that.

“I want to make a success of myself here, and not go back to England for the rest of my career.”

Hodgson’s plans to acclimatise in Canberra have been disrupted a little bit by his selection for England.

“It changes my plans a bit, my partner will get to Canberra before me, but I’ll chat with Ricky Stuart [Canberra coach], and see when he wants me in,” he explained.

“As soon as we’re finished [with England], I’ll be champing at the bit to get my preseason started.”