The Wests Tigers are on the verge of signing star English hooker Josh Hodgson, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Hodgson has a year to run on his deal with Canberra, but the Raiders are reportedly prepared to let him leave immediately, although would also let him stay in the nation’s capital to see out his contract if need be.
Hodgson’s 2022 contract is said to be worth $900,000, and the Raiders would need to tip in part of that even if he played for the Tigers next year.
He will be 32 by the time next season begins but is considered one of the best hookers in the NRL still. It was only a couple of years ago he was considered the second best in the game, behind Cameron Smith.
Hodgson endured a rough 2021 at Canberra, relinquishing the captaincy mid-season following a confrontation with coach Ricky Stuart.
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Fellow Englishmen, George Williams and John Bateman, also left the club in acrimonious circumstances in the space of a few months.
The Broncos had been keen to sign the experienced rake but it appears the Tigers will not benefit.
The Tigers had a horror 2021 season, which almost cost coach Michael Maguire his job.
Maguire was spared the axe, and this week they announced their first significant signing with Tyrone Peachey to come on board.
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