Retiring Parramatta Eels dummy half Josh Hodgson has had his next move confirmed by the club, with a coaching role on the horizon.
Hodgson first announced his retirement on August 30 through his own social media, with the retirement caused by injury.
He had originally signed a deal which was set to see him play out the 2024 season at the Eels, but his first year in blue and gold, where he was touted as the replacement for Reed Mahoney, saw him struggle to stay on the field at times and ultimately wind up with a reduced role behind Brendan Hands, who is expected to be the club's starting number nine next year.
Hodgson has suffered two full ACL tears during his time in Australia.
The Eels confirmed that the hooker, who has played over 270 top-tier games when NRL and English Super League stats are combined and has also represented his country, would move into the assistant coaching director of elite pathways role at the club.
“It's always sad to see a player's career end prematurely due to injury, but thankfully Josh has enjoyed a highly decorated career in rugby league," Eels director of football Mark O'Neill said in a statement.
Zerotackle
Replies
Having him around to help lussick, hands and eventually Matt Arthur is a positive.
I said from the beginning we should've hired him as a coach instead of a 1st grade player.
Would it have made much difference ? It's not as if we would've signed a future immortal hooker if we didn't sign Hodgson . The way it unfolded could have had more upside . What if he had a cracking season . We were no worse off by doing it the way we did it really
How much benefit will he bring in a coaching role? Not being sarcastic just curious
Be better than ennis anyway
Cumberland Eel, you may not being sarcastic, but it would appear that your curiousity would imply a negative, could you explain why? and who would you have in such a role as an alternative......I would have thought that he would be an outstanding choice based on his experience. Further to that who would you have as an alternative?
Equally curious!
I'm thinking a coach in a wheelchair isn't gonna be as affective as one that can run around with the boys.
Well some here were saying we should get Daniel Anderson to come over in some kind of coaching capacity only a few months back. Could you imagine if we did and then hired Hodgo too.
Daniel Anderson was mentioned, by me who I assume you are meaning, in the capacity of selector & / or inspirational speaker for NSW Blues, not coaching. Inspiration can build from emotion & that Blues team appears to need perspective.
Collingwood used to use a fan with down-syndrome to do their pre game / half time speeches, you reckon he was capable of slapping on some boots and running around with their midfield at training?
JH could be an excellent appointment as a coach, his experience / knowledge doesnt change whether he can run or not.
Or you boys reckon Wayne Bennett is out there running 15's in the beep test with his outside backs?
Sure no problems mate. I'm not an expert on what ingredients make a good coach. I'm just a bit surprised more than anything given the information about Hodgson's past injuries and his recent injury which forced him into retirement. AlI I know about Hodgson is he's an Englishman, plays hooker, played for Canberra, was good at his position of hooker. Does being a good hooker make a good coach? Cameron Smith was an extremely great hooker for the Storm and I'm not certain if he's ever been offered a coaching role at any club. Im not sure if Hodgson will be or won't be. I'm not saying he shouldn't be offered the chance but my original question which I don't feel as being 'negative' is still the same. Will his appointment in a coaching role be beneficial to the Eels as much or more than his appointment as hooker this year? I'm not sure how to answer your question is there a better alternative? I'm not sure to be honest as my knowledge or lack of the job description I'm not sure if anyone else was offered this position besides Hodgson. It does seem perhaps a bit odd for a player that's only barely been an Eel to be offered a coaching role especially when there's so many Eels great that haven't. That's just my opinion.
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