Giants move for Hodgson

Full-back joins four former Tigers at the Galpharm

Last updated: 15th May 2008

brett hodgson

Hodgson: Giants move

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Huddersfield have signed Australian full-back Brett Hodgson from Wests Tigers.

The 30-year-old, rated as one of the best players in his position over the last decade, will move to the Galpharm Stadium at the end of the season.

Hodgson has agreed a two-year deal with Huddersfield where he will join four former Wests Tigers, in John Skandalis, Jamahl Lolesi, Shane Elford and Paul Whatuira.

The former Parramatta player, who is in his 12th season in the NRL, was previously linked with a move to Wigan and admits his move has come about largely due to the salary-cap constraints in Australia.

New challenge

"It's going to be sad but at the same time I'm excited," he said. "It's a new challenge, playing in a competition on the other side of the world, and a new chapter in my footballing life.

"It's been quite a drawn-out process. There was a period when there were not a lot of options.

"Because of the salary cap factor in Australia, staying here is not really an option. We approached other NRL clubs but there is not a lot going because there are a ton of quality full-backs.

"There was a little bit of interest in the UK, not as much as last year, but you've got to take the opportunity when it knocks on your door."

Hodgson, who was a member of the Tigers' 2005 Grand Final-winning team, has made 212 appearances in the NRL and played six times for New South Wales.