Trent Hodkinson admits his poor form but says he can still do a job in State of Origin

AS the Knights face a weekly battle just to be competitive, the incumbent NSW halfback’s form has been mediocre at best. But he still believes he can do a job for NSW.

Barry Toohey

2 min read

May 9, 2016 - 7:30PM

Hodkinson believes he still has the quality to make a difference for NSW.

TRENT Hodkinson is not playing like an Origin player. Not even close.

In a Newcastle Knights side facing a weekly battle just to be competitive, the incumbent NSW halfback’s form has been mediocre at best and there are those who would suggest that is being generous.

But is it any different to this time last season?

Hodkinson’s form has been short of the try line so far this season.

Hodkinson was under fire from all sides in the build up to Origin I in 2015 with Blues legend Andrew Johns among his harshest critics, suggesting NSW could not afford to pick him because he was so far out of form.

But Blues coach Laurie Daley picked him anyway.

And while he is the first to admit he would like to be playing better right now, the Knights captain says he can do a job for the Blues coach again in this coming series.

Asked was he concerned about his current form in relation to Origin selection, Hodkinson said:

“No, not at the moment. It’s not where I want it to be that’s for sure and there is plenty of room for improvement.

“But in saying that, I’m confident given a crack again at State of Origin, I can do the job for Laurie.”

Hodkinson does boast great experience at Origin level.

Hodkinson, who failed to complete a club training session on Monday and is being hampered by a knee injury, says he is trying not to get too caught up in the Origin hype.

He hardly watched any footy over the representative weekend and is keeping himself away from all the selection speculation.

“If you look too far into it, it does your head in I guess,” he said.

“I learnt from last year there are a lot of opinions out there and if you get caught up in it all, it’s going to do your own head in so I try and ignore it as much as I can.

“Obviously, this time of year everyone speaks about it and it’s in your face but I try and let my footy look after itself here at club level and whatever happens, happens.”

Hodkinson believes he still has the quality to make a difference for NSW.

If Hodkinson is given the nod again by Daley again, he can expect to have a different Origin playmaking partner than last season with Mitchell Pearce not wanting to be considered.

“Yeah, look it obviously changes it again,” he said.