Josh Hodgson’s retirement and accomplishments: The Parramatta Eels hooker has medically retired.
The Parramatta Eels have paid respect to Josh Hodgson, who has been medically retired from the game.
“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,” Parramatta General Manager of Football Mark O’Neill said.
Josh Hogson will return to coaching after taking an early retirement.
The veteran, who will join the Parramatta coaching staff after his premature retirement from playing, praised those who assisted him during his rugby league career.
“I’d like to thank every club I’ve represented in England and Australia and all the people I’ve worked with over the course of my career,” he said.
“Behind the scenes, there are performance specialists, administrators, coaches, and, most importantly, my teammates.”
“I’d also like to thank the rugby league players and fans who have supported us through all of our ups and downs.”
“Last but not least, I want to thank my wife Kirby, my children, and my extended family for their unconditional love and support.” They are the reason I was able to play for as long as I did, and I will be eternally grateful.”
Josh Hodgson of the Parramatta Eels has been forced to resign from the NRL due to medical reasons.
Hodgson confirmed last month that he had played his final NRL game, with the 33-year-old England international forced to retire due to medical reasons.
The Parramatta hooker has not played since sustaining a neck injury in Round 13 that necessitated surgery, and he has stated that he will not return to the Eels for the last year of his contract.
After speaking with physicians following a neck operation months earlier, the English international confirmed the news.
“This is not how I expected to be announcing the end of my football career, but unfortunately I have been forced to medically retire,” Hodgson wrote on Instagram.
“In hindsight it’s probably a blessing because I have always tried pushing through when my body was broken and putting my teammates before everything, but it’s come at a cost.”
“I am retiring knowing I gave everything physically and mentally to the game, every day.”
After Parramatta confirmed his move into coaching following his early retirement, O’Neil has now paid tribute to Hodgson.
“Josh has played in many big games including an NRL grand final and representing his country on multiple occasions,” he said.
“When Josh joined the club, he brought strong leadership and a wealth of experience to a key position.”
“Josh will add great value in his coaching role at the Eels as he has incredible knowledge of the game, a unique ability to communicate the technical elements and has a relatable experience to share with our players.”
What is the length of Josh Hodgson’s contract?
After exercising his player option for 2024, the former Three Lions captain had a year left on his contract.
His compensation for the 2024 season is $350,000, with the contract apparently being greater if Hodgson forced the Eels to use the option rather than himself.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Hodgson and the Eels discussed a medical retirement exemption for the club with the NRL.
With the injury being deemed career-ending, the NRL will most likely slash $350,000 off Parramatta’s pay cap, allowing them greater market flexibility.
Josh Hodgson’s professional accomplishments
Although it was an unpleasant way for Hodgson to retire, the Englishman had a successful career.
After progressing through the Hull F.C. system, he joined Hull Kingston Rovers at the end of 2009 and has not looked back since.
Hodgson went on to make over 100 appearances for Rovers in the English Super League, winning the Players’ Player of the Year award in consecutive seasons, as well as the club’s Player of the Year accolade.
He captained the team in 2014 and brought those traits to Australia when he joined the Canberra Raiders.
His time at the Green Machine was exceptional, with him being named co-captain in 2018 and leading the team to its first grand final in 25 years in 2019.
He narrowly missed out on the Dally M medal in 2016, however he played in 138 games with the Raiders, helping them to multiple finals appearances.
His 19 caps for England and four for Great Britain would be his biggest achievement.
His services were critical in England’s progress to the Rugby League World Cup final in 2017.
