What’s The Buzz: Lewis Dodd warned not to waste his talents with the Wests Tigers
He’s the best young halfback in the Super League and is keen on testing himself in the NRL – but the Wests Tigers need not apply, Phil Rothfield explains why.
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The English Super League’s best young halfback wants to play in the NRL – but has been advised against joining the struggling Wests Tigers.
Lewis Dodd is the 21-year-old playmaker who steered St Helens to World Club Challenge victory over Penrith in February, playing a blinder opposite champion No. 7 Nathan Cleary.
He showed remarkable composure to land the golden point field goal.
The youngster has signed up with NRL player agent George Mimis to look for opportunities from 2025, when his contract is up with the English champions.
St Helens boss Mike Rush says he would advise Dodd to look for a strong club.
“If you go to a Wests Tigers you could be wasting your time,” Rush said.
“He’s still young and has only played 41 games.
“If he came and asked me for an opinion, I’d be happy to give him my thoughts on the better clubs to join.”
Rush’s comments sum up the challenges the Wests Tigers are facing in recruitment.
It is well known in English rugby league that Tim Sheens struggled in the Super League before returning to the NRL.
Rush says his club will reject any attempt to sign Dodd before the end of next season.
“Lewis has expressed a desire to play NRL,” Rush said. “And I’m sure George Mimis will eventually be shopping him around.
“We’d never let him go early because it sets a precedent. We don’t want a player saying ‘you did it for him, why can’t you do it for me?’
The St Helens boss previously advised front-row warhorse James Graham about the positives of joining a club like the Canterbury Bulldogs when he left England.
Interestingly, Dodd could be a serious option for the Bulldogs.
“Coaches like Kristian Woolfe are aware of what he can do,” Rush said, “He’s coached him and knows what he can do. He’s super talented and there will be a lot of interest.”
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Originally published as What’s The Buzz: Lewis Dodd warned not to waste his talents with the Wests Tigers
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