Teammates are backing Josh Hodgson to silence his critics when the English veteran returns to the nation’s capital for the primary time to tackle the Raiders.
Hodgson spent seven seasons in Canberra, serving to the Green Machine attain the 2019 grand last earlier than a few severe knee accidents ruined his last few years with the group.
The 33-year-old now returns to GIO Stadium in a blue and gold jersey the place he’s failed to fireside within the opening 10 rounds, producing simply two attempt assists and enjoying decreased minutes with Brendan Hands sharing the function.
It’s led to hypothesis that Hands might take over the beginning function within the coming weeks, however his teammates are backing Hodgson to face tall in what ought to be an emotional homecoming.
“One thing I know about Hodgo is that he’s a competitor,” Eels winger Bailey Simonsson stated.
“I can’t speak for him, but I’m sure there’s a bit of a fire lit in him to prove people wrong. He’s just got to focus on himself and what he can control because he’s a great player.
“I know Hodgo really well, and he’s a great bloke and a great player, so he’s going to be sweet, which he already is. He’s playing good footy. Talk is just talk and that’s all outside noise.
“Hodgo is such a great leader and he’s such an experienced player. He’s doing well.
“It’s not easy coming to a new club. It’s always hard getting used to different structures and the way teams play. On top of that, coming back from another knee injury definitely makes it more challenging.
“I think he’s improving every week, and we all know the player he is and what he’s capable of. He’s also been massive off the field for this team with his leadership and experience.”
Simonsson is aware of what it’s prefer to return to Canberra after he bagged a double final season in his first go to again since becoming a member of the Eels.
It’s why he doesn’t suppose the event will faze somebody like Hodgson, who has seen and achieved all of it.
“It’ll be a bit of a different feeling for him because every other time he’s played there he would have been playing for the Raiders,” he stated.
“It is really just another game – I know it’s a bit of a cliche – but even last year with my first game back down there, once the whistle goes and you start playing footy, that’s all you focus on.
“Hodgo is a bit of a vet these days and he’s a seasoned pro, so he’ll just be worried about his performance and our side.”
Eels five-eighth Dylan Brown scored two tries within the 28-20 win over Canberra final yr and might want to step it up with halfback Mitch Moses out of Saturday’s sport.
Brown can inform that Hodgson isn’t glad together with his performances for his new membership, however the playmaker says Hodgson’s steadying affect is simply what the group wants as they give the impression of being to get again within the finals hunt.
“It’s going to be massive for him,” he stated.
“I’ve never been at another club so I don’t know what it’s like, but I’m sure if you go up against your old team, he’s going to want to play well. He knows that we’ve got his back and it’s not just going to be up to him.
“With Hodgo, he helps my game a lot. He talks to me the whole time and he keeps me relaxed.
“He’s not overly happy with his performances, but I think he does well and I think it’s a blessing that we have Handsy there to back him up. I actually enjoy the rotation because it’s two different types of footy.
“He’s obviously going to keep working, but it’s a slow process.”
Source: www.foxsports.com.au