Hodkinson’s time at Knights ending

TRENT Hodkinson’s tumultuous Newcastle career has moved a step closer to ending after he had a positive meeting with Manly officials on Tuesday about a return to Brookvale.

Hodkinson’s Knights tenure is in limbo following the signings of Mitchell Pearce and Connor Watson, plus the emergence of young guns Brock Lamb and Jack Cogger.

The Sea Eagles had been linked to Lamb as a five-eighth replacement following Blake Green’s departure to the Warriors, but Newcastle won’t release the local Maitland junior.

This leaves Hodkinson with no choice but to leave the Hunter to continue his NRL career. The former NSW Origin half wants to keep playing and Manly would be a perfect fit as they require a five-eighth and goal kicker following Green’s exit. Sea Eagles CEO Lyall Gorman said the meeting with Hodkinson was “productive”, but no formal offer was tabled.

“We are in no rush to fill the final position in our roster, as we want to get it right” he said.

“We have a few options at five-eighth, including Trent, and we will go through the process.”

Newcastle are prepared to release Hodkinson.