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Hodgson's NRL tips help Raiders teammate

Canberra's star hooker Josh Hodgson is having a genuine impact at the NRL club despite being on the sidelines until at least June because of a knee injury.

File image of Raiders' Josh Hodgson making a break during a game.
Canberra's injured hooker Josh Hodgson is making an impact at the NRL club from the sidelines. (AAP)

Josh Hodgson might be recovering from knee surgery but the star NRL hooker is still making his mark at Canberra.

Former St George Illawarra player Siliva Havili has slotted into the starting No.9 spot, making an immediate impact with the Raiders.

Havili crossed for a second-minute try in the Green Machine's heartbreaking two-point opening round loss to Gold Coast.

The 25-year-old said England rake Hodgson hel[ped his prepare for the clash with the Titans.

"Throughout the pre-season he (Hodgson) has been given me a lot of tips," Havili said.

"He sent me a text while I was on the Gold Coast, telling me to be confident and do the little things right.

"Hodgo's always got words for me to improve."

However, replacing Hodgson will not be left to one man alone.

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has retained Havili as starting No.9 for Sunday night's clash with Newcastle at Canberra Stadium.

Aidan Sezer is again likely to switch with Havili after playing against the Titans at hooker from the 25th minute.

Havili - who had not played in the NRL since 2016 before last Sunday - said he was doing everything he could to make the spot his own.

"I just try to back myself with confidence, that was my intention going into the game, just to be confident in myself," Havili said.

"It's up to 'Stick' (Stuart) the way he plays me, he's the coach of course. But for myself I want to play more minutes and get used to the pace of the NRL.

"The more games I do play I do think I'll get used to it and get that match fitness."


2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



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