‘Never the way I thought it would end’: NRL veteran Josh Hodgson medically retired

NRL veteran Josh Hodgson has confirmed his rugby league career is officially over, bringing to an end a decorated 14-year career.

NRL 2023 RD08 PARRAMATTA EELS V BRISBANE BRONCOS - JOSH HODGSON

NRL veteran Josh Hodgson has confirmed he’s been medically retired and will hang up the boots, bringing his decorated 14-year career to an end.

Hodgson arrived in the NRL from the Super League when he left Hull to join the Raiders ahead of the 2015 NRL season.

The Englishman co-captained Canberra to their first grand final in 25 years in 2019 when the Green Machine fell agonisingly short against the Roosters.

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Hodgson, who turns 34 in October, signed with the Eels for 2023 and 2024 but he’s been restricted to just 12 games due to a series of injuries.

The hooker hasn’t played since Round 13 when he suffered a neck injury which eventually prompted doctors draw curtains on his career.

Hodgson was at a time considered one of the best No. 9s in the world and said he’s retiring knowing he have the game his everything.

“This is never the way I thought I’d be announcing the end of my footy career, but unfortunately I have been forced to medically retire,” Hodgson said.

“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.

“That’s professional rugby league I guess…we all know what we sign-up for. I have a lot to be grateful for though, which I what I have been trying to focus on.

Josh Hodgson.

“l’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…staff behind the scenes, performance specialists, administrators, coaches and most importantly my teammates.

“I also want to thank the rugby league members and fans who we love playing in front of, through all the ups and downs.

“I am retiring knowing I gave everything physically and mentally to the game, every day.

The hard work brought me a lot of joy, changed our lives and ultimately provided an opportunity to represent England, which is my proudest achievement.

“Last but certainly not least, to my wife Kirby, my kids and extended family…the unconditional love and support you provided was the reason I was able to do it for as long as I did, and for that I’ll forever be appreciative.

“I will be staying in the game which has given me everything, but for now I am looking forward to spending time with family and close friends as we enter the next chapter in our lives together. ️

“Thanks again guys, Josh.”

Originally published as ‘Never the way I thought it would end’: NRL veteran Josh Hodgson medically retired