Josh Hodgson and Ryan Sutton bid emotional farewells to Canberra Raiders
English forwards Josh Hodgson and Ryan Sutton have waved farewell to Canberra Raiders following their last home game of the season.
Hooker Hodgson, 32, will join Parramatta Eels on a two-year deal from the 2023 season.
The Great Britain and England international has made 138 appearances for the Raiders since arriving in the NRL from Hull KR in 2015.
Hodgson said: “I just want to say a thank you from the bottom of my heart to the boys and the club.
“You don’t realise how much a club means to you until you are about to leave. I’ve had some really happy memories here and memories that I’ll share for the rest of my life. There’s some blokes here that I’ll be friends with for a long time that have been with me through good times and tough times.
“I’m sad to say it’s my last day here but I’ll looking forward to catching up with the boys on the old boys day which I’ll hopefully be a part of in the future.”
Ryan Sutton waves goodbye to Canberra
Prop or back-rower Sutton, 27, is reportedly heading to Canterbury Bulldogs on a three-year deal from 2023. The deal is yet to be officially announced.
The England World Cup hopeful has played 74 games for Canberra since joining from hometown club Wigan in 2019.
Sutton said: “I’d just like to thank everyone who has supported me since I have come over from England, especially the boys.
“Coming away from your family to the other side of the world, I couldn’t be more grateful to the boys for making me a part of the team, but not just a team, a family.
“I’ll be ever so grateful for everything they have done for me over here. It’s sad to leave but I’m leaving on a positive note and I wish the best for the boys in the future.”
Former Bradford and Catalans Dragons forward Elliott Whitehead will be the only Englishman in the Raiders squad in 2023.
PODCAST: Alex Walmsley on turning down NRL, World Cup pressure & John Kear influence
FOLLOW: Keep up with all the latest on the Love Rugby League mobile app and podcast