Hodgson signs long-term deal at Canberra

England ace Josh Hodgson has signed a new five-year deal with NRL giants Canberra Raiders.

The 28-year-old’s contract will see him stay at the Canberra Stadium until the end of the 2022 season.

Hodgson’s contract was due to expire at the end of next season but has committed to the Raiders for the next five years.

He has been a great asset to Wayne Bennett’s England side so far in the World Cup, interchanging with fellow hooker James Roby.

And he admitted that he is over the moon to stay with the club for the next five years.

The former Hull Kingston Rovers star said: “There’s no way I’d sign long-term if I didn’t believe this group of players were able to achieve great things, so a bit part of the decision was staying at a club who I believe will have long-term success.

“We know our results last season were not acceptable and I know the group is already back in Canberra working hard to make sure things are better in 2018 and beyond that.

“I’m really enjoying the World Cup experience and hopefully we can continue through the tournament, but I’m also looking forward to getting home and working with the rest of the squad as we get ready for next season.

“Canberra’s been a home away from home for us and I know my wife Kirby and I have really enjoyed our time here and want this to be our home for the next few years as we raise our family.

“The club was fantastic from the moment we arrived and the current group is a wonderful bunch of blokes who I believe have their best footy ahead of them.”