A 2005 NRL premiership winner and former teammate of Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall is reportedly in talks for a return to the club. The Tigers are actively seeking a new assistant coach after the departure of club legend Robbie Farah, aiming to escape the bottom of the ladder for the first time in four years.
In an effort to revamp their roster and coaching staff to break their losing streak, a member of the 2005 Grand Final premiership team might soon return, potentially in a coaching role.
According to The Daily Telegraph, former Tigers fullback Brett Hodgson is among the candidates being considered for the position.
Having previously served as an assistant coach at the Tigers, Hodgson went on to become head coach of Hull FC in the Super League and worked with Eddie Jones for both Australia and England’s rugby union teams.
During his playing career, Hodgson participated in 351 matches across the NRL and Super League over 17 seasons, representing the Western Suburbs Magpies, Parramatta Eels, Wests Tigers, Huddersfield Giants, and Warrington Wolves.
As a prolific goal-kicker, he amassed 2,509 career points, played six games for the NSW Blues, won the 2009 Man of Steel award, and competed in Grand Finals in 2001 and 2005, as well as in a Super League Grand Final and Challenge Cup.
“It’s great to be back… I’m still living out at Campbelltown, which is where I grew up. The M5 is playing some tricks on me,” Hodgson said when he returned to the Tigers for the 2018 season under Ivan Cleary.
“I’ve always wanted to be a coach. When you reach your late 20s and realize your playing days may be ending, you start thinking about the next stage of your life.
“I’m really enjoying it so far.”
