Newcastle Knights confirm 10 departures, including English starlet
Bailey Hodgson is tackled by Cronulla's Toby Rudolf (left) and Jesse Colquhuon during the NRL Pre-Season Challenge Round 1. Photo by AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts.
Newcastle Knights have confirmed 10 departures at the conclusion of their 2023 NRL campaign, including English starlet Bailey Hodgson, via Zero Tackle.
The 21-year-old made the switch Down Under in 2021 from Castleford Tigers, having caught the attention of the Australian side and signing on a three-year contract.
Hodgson made his Super League debut just 10 days after turning 18 against Hull KR in 2020, and represented England at youth level.
The West Hull junior failed to make his first team debut for the Knights, with his stint Down Under so far hampered by injuries. He missed the second half of the 2023 season after undergoing a shoulder stabilisation surgery, with 11 previous appearances in the New South Wales Cup, producing three try assists.
He has featured just 16 times across three years for the club’s reserves, having also suffered a fractured elbow last year and undergoing surgery.
The young gun played against his uncle Josh Hodgson during the NRL’s 2023 pre-season challenge, with Paramatta Eels claiming a 36-14 victory.
Newcastle Knights confirm 10 departures
England international Dom Young will leave the club at the end of the season, with the finals imminent, to join Sydney Roosters. The 22-year-old set a new club record with his 23 tries in the regular season, beating the previous at 21.
Lachlan Fitzgibbon and Lachlan Miller will make the switch to Super League with Warrington and Leeds respectively, while Super League target Adam Clune will also depart.
The 28-year-old Australian half-back is poised to join Ian Watson’s Huddersfield from 2024 to replace Catalans-bound Theo Fages. He has played the last three games for Newcastle with Jackson Hastings currently sidelined with injury.
Another reporter Super League target in Kurt Mann will leave Newcastle Knights, although the utility looks set to remain in the NRL with Canterbury Bulldogs from next season.
The other four players that the Knights have confirmed to be departing once the season is complete are Hymel Hunt, Jack Johns, Simi Sasagi and Dane Aukafolau.