JOSH STARS IN LAST FIGHT OF THE POMS
Hodgson is Canberra hero in NRL’s Battle of Britain
ENGLAND hooker Josh Hodgson played a starring role in the ‘Battle of Britain’ as Canberra beat South Sydney to book their first NRL Grand Final appearance in 25 years.
Hodgson – one of five Englishmen involved – made a host of key contributions alongside compatriots John Bateman and Elliott Whitehead in Canberra’s 16-10 semi-final win.
Hodgson stole the ball oneon-one from an opponent – the 13th time he has done so this season – which laid the position for him to kick and create the opening try for Jarrod Croker.
Shortly afterwards he produced a stunning try-saving tackle on Cody Walker that would prove crucial in a tight contest.
However, Hodgson’s involvement was not without controversy. Minutes earlier he looked wobbly on his feet after a collision with Souths prop Liam Knight, but he was not withdrawn for a head test.
The defeat meant disappointment for Sam and Tom Burgess along with Great Britain coach Wayne Bennett, in his first season in charge at the Rabbitohs. Sam Burgess showed typical courage when returning to the field after what looked like a gameending shoulder injury. Hodgson, Whitehead and Bateman will now face the winner of this morning’s semi-final between Sydney Roosters and Melbourne in next Sunday’s Grand Final. Canberra have not played in a Grand Final since 1994, when coach Ricky Stuart was at scrum-half. Stuart said: “They put Sam Burgess in the middle and came for a war, and that’s what it was. “I’ll make sure the players embrace the week ahead, repair a few bodies and iron out a few areas.”