‘Former English international Josh Hodgson on Parramatta coaching role, ambitions in the caper

Josh Hodgson knows what it takes to rise through the ranks. Now he’s helping one of rugby league’s best nurseries to foster the next generation as he transitions into the coaching caper at Parramatta.

Josh Hodgson (second from left) with the Parramatta pathways coaching team. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Josh Hodgson knows a thing or two about coming through the rugby league ranks as a highly-touted junior.

An England underage representative and Super League debutant at 19, Hodgson has now entered the next phase of his career.

It’s fitting that he now plays a pivotal role in the development of young, talented players as head coach of Parramatta’s Harold Matthews U17s team, following a stint as elite pathways assistant coaching director.

“It’s something I’ve done all my life, rugby league. To be able to do that and try and help kids become a bit better, and to help them up the grades is something that I’ve really enjoyed,” he said.

“I had my first year in it last year. I oversaw the pathways with Nathan Brown for a period there and then Steve Georgallis who’s still in the role. I’ve learnt a lot from those blokes and still am.

“(I’m happy to be) at a good club who’s really focusing on the juniors and on progressing them through the ranks to get a few more into first grade. It’s great to be at a club who’s invested in the kids and I’m really enjoying being a part of that.”

Hodgson is no stranger to coaching, having led an amateur open men’s side back home.

It’s a desire that has long burned for the former Raider and Eel, who is looking to see how far he can progress in the caper.

Josh Hodgson helped lead Canberra to a grand final apperance in 2019. Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“I’ve always wanted to do it. I coached in an amateur league in England, but when I came over here it was a bit too much juggling kids and family as well as coaching and playing.

“As soon as I retired I tried jumping straight back in and luckily enough managed to get a chance.

“I’m competitive, so that will never leave me. Unfortunately some days bad, good on other days.

“I’ll always try and be the best at whatever I do, so that’s the plan.”

Parramatta boasts one of the strongest junior nurseries in the competition, something Hodgson said excites him about the future.

“They’ve always had a big pond. That comes with its benefits and its negatives. The negatives are other people come fishing in your pond, so you have to deal with that,” he said.

“The positives are the amount of kids that want to make it in rugby league and the amount of kids that love rugby league in Parramatta.

“It’s great to help out kids who genuinely just want to make it as a rugby league player and love working hard.

“People think there’s this magic secret when you get to the first team, what’s going to happen and what’s the secret you’re going to get told.

“There isn’t one. It’s just hard work and dedication.”

Parramatta will take on the undefeated Cronulla Sharks in round three action this Saturday at New Era Stadium.

Originally published as ‘Former English international Josh Hodgson on Parramatta coaching role, ambitions in the caper