The nib Newcastle Knights are pleased to announce the signing of English young-gun Bailey Hodgson on a three-year NRL deal.
Hodgson, the nephew of Canberra Raiders and England Test hooker Josh Hodgson, will arrive in Australia on Saturday to enter two weeks of mandatory quarantine before linking with the Knights squad for the 2021 pre-season.
An English youth international, Hodgson made his Super League debut for the Castleford Tigers, just ten days after his 18th birthday.
At home at fullback and in the centres, Hodgson will bring a mix of strike, balance and game awareness skills to the Knights squad.
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He is the second dynamic teenager to sign with the club from the UK, following Huddersfield centre Dominic Young.
Knights Head of Recruitment, Clint Zammit, said the young live-wire will be given every chance to develop under the tutelage of Adam O'Brien and the senior playing squad.
"Bailey is an exciting prospect, he is a natural athlete with great balance and footwork," he said.
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"For the past 13 months I have watched him continue to develop rapidly.
“His willingness to work hard and compete in every aspect has allowed him to play in the Super League, despite his age.
“Whilst he is only young, he will be afforded all the time and resources required to allow him to grow into a player that we anticipate will have a long career at the Knights."
Hodgson's contract will see him remain a Knight until at least the end of the 2023 season.
