Injured Raiders rake Josh Hodgson tips Siliva Havili to take his No.9 jersey while he recovers

WHEN it comes to the race for his own Canberra No. 9 jersey, Josh Hodgson says the player impressing him the most is Siliva Havili.

Siliva Havili has stood out during Raiders training. (Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)

WHEN it comes to the race for his Canberra No. 9 jersey, Josh Hodgson says the player impressing him most is Siliva Havili.

Havili and fellow new Raiders recruit Craig Garvey spent time at hooker in the club’s only trial against Canterbury on the weekend, while halfback Aidan Sezer also jumped into dummy-half for a brief stint.

Coach Ricky Stuart knows Hodgson is impossible to replace — the Pommy international is not scheduled back from an ACL injury until July at the earliest — and must now decide if he starts with Tongan rake Havili or Garvey.

Hodgson was not about to second guess the coach, but 25-year-old Havili had not put a foot wrong.

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Havili performs the Sipi Tau for Tonga during the World Cup. (Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)

“Siliva has been really good, Craig Garvey has worked really hard, and we saw on the weekend when Aidan Sezer jumped in there for a bit, he also went really well,’’ Hodgson said.

“But definitely Siliva at the minute is the one who has impressed me most.

“He’s come here, put his head down, worked hard, he has a young family and wants to do the best by them. He’s really skilful as well. He’s really put his hand up and wants to put his best foot forward. I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes and plays.’’

Hodgson, meanwhile, continues to make good progress, and said the biggest challenge was not rushing his recovery, especially given ‘’it’s a minimum 12 months out’’ if he ruptured his ACL again.

Originally published as Injured Raiders rake Josh Hodgson tips Siliva Havili to take his No.9 jersey while he recovers