Jet-heeled Josh chasing May’s benchmark

FEARLESS Exeter flyer Josh Hodge vows to continue playing to thrill as his Premiership crash course continues in a Chief side pressing for honours.

Reminiscent of a young Jonny May, Hodge’s dazzling raids from deep have been a feature of his first three topflight games since joining from Newcastle.

Hodge, right, is likely to play against London Irish this Wednesday and asked if he might rein things in, the 20-year-old England prospect said: “It’s me as a player – I try to be as evasive and unpredictable as possible.

“These days there aren’t many players who try to go from as far out as I do, but it’s all good fun. Sometimes you will get through and sometimes you won’t, you’ve got to just do what’s best, whether it’s run, catch or pass.”

While May is England’s first choice, wing/full-back Hodge is rated highly by Red Rose boss Eddie Jones who included him as an apprentice in the Six Nations.

Hodge added: “Jonny’s a great player and while I wouldn’t say I’m at his level at the moment, I’m aiming to get there. He’s a player with a lot of attacking intent and I’ll also look for those opportunities when I’m on the ball.

“Ali Hepher’s been working very closely with me in reviewing my games, while Stuart Hogg’s giving me a lot of tips to improve my allround game. He’s a top, top player who doesn’t look down at the youngsters.”

Regarding England Hodge added: “I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself. I’m still young so I just want to play rugby. I’m ahead of schedule and didn’t expect to get chucked into matches so soon, but to be part of wins at Bristol and Northampton was great. “I’m trying to make every bit of game time count to make myself a much better player.”