St Helens in danger of losing hooker with NRL club looking to fill Josh Hodgson void

Josh McAllister
Joey Lussick scores against Huddersfield at Newcastle's Magic Weekend. Photo by Action Plus Sports/Alamy Live News.

Joey Lussick scores against Huddersfield at Newcastle's Magic Weekend. Photo by Action Plus Sports/Alamy Live News.

St Helens are in danger of losing interchange hooker Joey Lussick according to reports, with one named NRL club eyeing up the 27-year-old Australian to help cover injuries. 

Lussick returned to Super League with St Helens ahead of the 2022 season on a three-year deal, and has gone on to make 50 appearances for the reigning champions, including 18 in the current season.

The ex-Salford and Manly Sea Eagles man has predominantly featured from the bench for the Totally Wicked Stadium side, with James Roby still playing big minutes at the age of 37.

Roby, who has won six Super League titles, four Challenge Cups and two World Club Challenges, will hang up the boots at the end of the season, creating an opportunity for someone else to wear the nine shirt at St Helens in 2024.

Lussick appeared to be the obvious choice at first upon his move last year, although St Helens have since been heavily linked with Warrington’s Daryl Clark for 2024 and beyond.

And now in a shock twist, Lussick is being lined up by his former club Parramatta Eels for a mid-season switch to help cover injuries, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

England international Josh Hodgson is set to see a specialist this week, according to the reports, to find out the extent of a neck injury.

He underwent surgery last month, with a chance of the 33-year-old missing the remainder of the season.

With Mitch Rein quietly announcing his retirement earlier this season, the Eels lack depth in the number nine position and a move for Lussick is on the cards for the remainder of the season.

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