The Wests Tigers have reportedly offered Canberra dummy-half Josh Hodgson a two-year deal to make the move to Sydney.
Having been informed by the Raiders that he wouldn’t be offered a new deal beyond 2023, it is expected that Hodgson will make the move to the Tigers with added contract security a big factor.
The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio says it’s now just down to financial terms between the two sides.
“This one’s been in the works I believe for the last week or so,” Riccio said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“The Wests Tigers making enquiries through the Raiders, I think Josh Hodgson will be a Tiger.
“I think he will be a Wests Tiger next year, I think this will eventuate.
“It’s only down to financial terms and how much the Wests Tigers are willing to pay of Josh Hodgson’s $800,000 contract next year.
“The Raiders will have to chip in, and I think it’ll be in the vicinity of two to three hundred thousand dollars.
“They’ll have to chip in to contribute to Josh Hodgson’s early release to the Tigers next year.”
Riccio says the deal was put forward by the Tigers once new director of football Tim Sheens rubber-stamped the move for the 31-year-old.
“I think the Wests Tigers are ready to do it, and this is a big point, it has the full support of Tim Sheens,” Riccio explained.
“Tim Sheens I know has spoken to the Tigers’ hierarchy about making this a priority to get Josh Hodgson to the club on the basis of experience that the club needs, leadership on field, and I think this will eventuate.
“It may not happen today, but I believe it’ll happen as early as next week.”
The English international has played 137 NRL games for the Raiders since making his debut in 2015.