{{short description|English rugby league footballer}} {{Infobox rugby league biography |name = Josh Hodson |fullname = Joshua Hodson |image = |image_size = |position = {{rlp|CE|SR}} |birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|2000|06|15}} |birth_place = Newport, Shropshire, England |height = {{convert|1.88|m|ftin|abbr=on|order=flip}} |weight = {{convert|98|kg|stlb|abbr=on|order=flip}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Joshua Hodson Player Profile |url=https://www.superleague.co.uk/player/1831/joshua-hodson |website=Super League |access-date=11 April 2025}}</ref> |club1 = {{nowrap|London Broncos}} |year1start = 2020 |year1end = 21 |appearances1 = 19 |tries1 = 4 |goals1 = 0 |fieldgoals1 = 0 |points1 = 16 |club2 = {{nowrap|Batley Bulldogs}} |year2start = 2022 |year2end = 23 |appearances2 = 55 |tries2 = 24 |goals2 = 0 |fieldgoals2 = 0 |points2 = 96 |club3 = {{nowrap|Castleford Tigers}} |year3start = 2024 |year3end = 25 |appearances3 = 8 |tries3 = 0 |goals3 = 0 |fieldgoals3 = 0 |points3 = 0 |club4 = {{nowrap|→ Widnes Vikings}} |year4start = 2025{{small|(loan)}} |year4end = |appearances4 = 2 |tries4 = 0 |goals4 = 0 |fieldgoals4 = 0 |points4 = 0 | club5 = {{nowrap|→ Sheffield Eagles}} | year5start = 2025{{small|(loan)}} | year5end = | appearances5 = 7 | tries5 = 0 | goals5 = 10 | fieldgoals5 = 0 | points5 = 20 | club6 = {{nowrap|Sheffield Eagles}} | year6start = 2026 | year6end = present | appearances6 = 0 | tries6 = 0 | goals6 = 0 | fieldgoals6 = 0 | points6 = 0 |new = yes |source = <ref name="RLRKC">{{Rugby league records |name=Josh Hodson |id=8496}}</ref><ref name="RLP">[https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/josh-hodson/summary.html Rugby League Project]</ref> | updated = 15 October 2025 }}
'''Josh Hodson''' (born 15 June 2000) is an English professional rugby league footballer who plays as a {{rlp|ce}} or {{rlp|sr}} for the Sheffield Eagles in the RFL Championship.
He has previously played for Castleford Tigers in the Super League, and for London Broncos and Batley Bulldogs in the Championship. He has spent time on loan at Widnes Vikings in the Championship.
==Background== Hodson was born in Newport, Shropshire, England.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomson |first=Doug |date=9 October 2023 |title=Josh Hodson completes unique Rugby League journey with Castleford Tigers move |url=https://www.totalrl.com/josh-hodson-completes-unique-rugby-league-journey-with-castleford-tigers-move/ |access-date=22 October 2023 |website=TotalRL}}</ref>
From the age of 6, Hodson played rugby union with Newport RUFC, where he played as a scrum-half.<ref name="Shropshire Star London">{{Cite web |last=Elwell |first=Nick |date=5 December 2020 |title=Josh Hodson riding high as he nets Broncos deal |url=https://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/rugby/2020/12/05/josh-hodson-riding-high-as-he-nets-broncos-deal/ |access-date=2 October 2023 |website=Shropshire Star}}</ref> In 2010, he began to play junior rugby league for Telford Raiders, switching position to {{Rlp|ce}}.<ref name="Shropshire Star London" /> In 2014, he joined the Midlands Hurricanes academy based out of Loughborough College.<ref name="Shropshire Star London" /> Following a successful trial, he signed for the London Broncos academy, where he climbed through the ranks.<ref name="RFL London">{{Cite web |date=29 October 2020 |title=London Broncos add five academy stars to first team squad |url=https://www.rugby-league.com/article/23865/london-broncos-add-five-academy-stars-to-first-team-squad |access-date=2 October 2023 |website=The RFL}}</ref>
==Playing career== === London Broncos === On 23 February 2020, Hodson made his senior debut for the London Broncos against the York City Knights in the Challenge Cup, starting on the {{Rlp|wg}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 February 2020 |title=London Broncos 22 - 24 York City Knights |url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/london-vs-york/53846 |access-date=2 October 2023 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> The following week, he made his first appearance in the Championship against Featherstone Rovers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 March 2020 |title=London Broncos 10 - 34 Featherstone Rovers |url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/london-vs-featherstone/52932 |access-date=2 October 2023 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> The league's COVID-19 abandonment prevented any further appearances in Hodson's debut season, but in October he signed a first-team professional contract with London.<ref name="Shropshire Star London" /><ref name="RFL London" />
Hodson began the 2021 season as a starter for London. On 20 June, he scored his first try for the Broncos against Whitehaven.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 June 2021 |title=London Broncos v Whitehaven |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/match/EVP3535038 |access-date=2 October 2023 |website=BBC Sport}}</ref> He finished the year having made 17 appearances and scored 4 tries.<ref name="RLRKC" />
=== Batley Bulldogs === In October 2021, the Batley Bulldogs announced the signing of Hodson for 2022, following the arrival of London teammate James Meadows.<ref name="Dewsbury Reporter Batley">{{Cite web |last=McKenna |first=Ben |date=20 October 2021 |title=Batley Bulldogs head coach details what London Broncos centre Josh Hodson will bring to his side |url=https://www.dewsburyreporter.co.uk/sport/other-sport/bulldogs-coach-details-what-london-centre-josh-hodson-will-bring-to-his-side-3427042 |access-date=2 October 2023 |website=Dewsbury Reporter}}</ref> Head coach Craig Lingard said, "He has got a really bright future in the game and, hopefully, we can help him get to the next level."<ref name="Dewsbury Reporter Batley" /> Hodson made his first Batley appearance against Halifax Panthers on 30 January,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Craven |first=Dave |date=30 January 2022 |title=Batley Bulldogs 30 Halifax Panthers 18: Bulldogs come storming back to win a Championship classic |url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/batley-bulldogs-30-halifax-panthers-18-bulldogs-come-storming-back-to-win-a-championship-classic-3547834 |access-date=2 October 2023 |website=The Yorkshire Post}}</ref> and scored his first try for the club against the Royal Navy in the Challenge Cup.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 February 2022 |title=Batley Bulldogs 66 - 6 Royal Navy |url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/batley-vs-royal-navy/57173 |access-date=2 October 2023 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> He featured in Batley's Championship play-off final defeat against the Leigh Centurions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 October 2022 |title=Championship play-off final: Leigh 44-12 Batley Bulldogs - Adrian Lam's Centurions march back to Super League |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/63108748 |access-date=2 October 2023 |website=BBC Sport}}</ref> He made a total 26 appearances and scored 5 tries in the 2022 season.<ref name="RLRKC" />
In the early rounds of the 2023 Challenge Cup, Hodson scored 4 tries on two occasions, against Wath Brow Hornets and Hunslet ARLFC.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cheshire |first=Adam |date=14 March 2023 |title=Craig Lingard praises 'professional' Batley Bulldogs in routine Challenge Cup win |url=https://www.dewsburyreporter.co.uk/news/people/craig-lingard-praises-professional-batley-bulldogs-in-routine-challenge-cup-win-4064506 |access-date=2 October 2023 |website=Dewsbury Reporter}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2 April 2023 |title=Hunslet ARLFC 6 - 80 Batley Bulldogs |url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/hunslet-arlfc-vs-batley/59311 |access-date=2 October 2023 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> His try-scoring form attracted the attention of six Super League clubs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shaw |first=Matthew |date=12 May 2023 |title=Batley Bulldogs star set for Super League move with six clubs battling it out |url=https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/batley-bulldogs-star-set-super-26898382 |access-date=2 October 2023 |website=Yorkshire Live}}</ref> Hodson featured in Batley's 1895 Cup final defeat against the Halifax Panthers at Wembley.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 August 2023 |title=1895 Cup final: Batley Bulldogs 10-12 Halifax Panthers |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/66463823 |access-date=15 December 2023 |website=BBC Sport}}</ref> He finished the season with 19 tries, scored in 29 appearances.<ref name="RLRKC" />
=== Castleford Tigers === On 2 October 2023, it was announced that Hodson would join the Castleford Tigers in the Super League on a two-year deal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 October 2023 |title=Hodson is a Tiger |url=https://castlefordtigers.com/article.php?id=8781 |access-date=2 October 2023 |website=Castleford Tigers}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2 October 2023 |title=Josh Hodson: Castleford Tigers to sign Batley Bulldogs centre from 2024 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/66989269 |access-date=2 October 2023 |website=BBC Sport}}</ref> This move saw him link up with former coach Craig Lingard, who had taken on the role of head coach at the Tigers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Peter |date=2 October 2023 |title=Castleford Tigers sign prolific Championship try-scorer Josh Hodson |url=https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/castleford-tigers-sign-prolific-championship-try-scorer-josh-hodson-4356942 |access-date=2 October 2023 |website=Yorkshire Evening Post}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Brien |first=James |date=2 October 2023 |title=Castleford Tigers dip into Championship to sign Batley Bulldogs centre |url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/castleford-tigers-dip-into-championship-to-sign-batley-bulldogs-centre-4356957 |access-date=2 October 2023 |website=The Yorkshire Post}}</ref> Hodson said, "I'm not going to be holding back and I'll give it everything I've got to take the opportunity with both hands," with Castleford claiming to have beaten two Super League rivals to his signature.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Olawumi |first=Ben |date=2 October 2023 |title=Castleford Tigers win the race for highly-rated Championship ace's signature; Vows to 'take the opportunity with both hands' |url=https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/castleford-tigers-win-the-race-for-highly-rated-championship-aces-signature-vows-to-take-the-opportunity-with-both-hands |access-date=2 October 2023 |website=Love Rugby League}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Callum |date=2 October 2023 |title=Coachless Castleford Tigers beat two rival Super League clubs to the signing of Championship and Batley Bulldogs star Josh Hodson |url=https://www.totalrl.com/coachless-castleford-tigers-beat-two-rival-super-league-clubs-to-the-signing-of-championship-and-batley-bulldogs-star-josh-hodson/ |access-date=2 October 2023 |website=TotalRL}}</ref>
After missing the opening rounds with a foot injury,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ibbetson |first=Stephen |date=4 March 2024 |title=Castleford Tigers' Josh Hodson out to prove Super League worth – and that there's rugby league talent everywhere |url=https://www.totalrl.com/castleford-tigers-josh-hodson-out-to-prove-super-league-worth-and-that-theres-rugby-league-talent-everywhere/ |access-date=24 March 2024 |work=Rugby League World |issue=494}}</ref> Hodson made his Castleford debut on 23 March 2024 against his former club Batley in the Challenge Cup.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 March 2024 |title=Challenge Cup: Batley Bulldogs 14-28 Castleford Tigers: Paul McShane stars as Super League side progress |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/68616745 |access-date=24 March 2024 |website=BBC Sport}}</ref> He made his full Super League debut the following week at Wheldon Road against the Leeds Rhinos.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 March 2024 |title=Super League: Castleford Tigers 6-26 Leeds Rhinos - Visitors extend Tigers' winless start |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/68665285 |access-date=6 April 2024 |website=BBC Sport}}</ref> In a month-long spell starting as a centre, he made five appearances before being supplanted by the signing of Corey Hall.<ref name="RLRKC" /> In July, Hodson suffered an ankle injury which prevented him filling in for the also-injured Sam Wood.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Darbyshire |first=Drew |date=4 July 2024 |title=Castleford Tigers dealt major blow with key man ruled out for the season |url=https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/castleford-tigers-dealt-major-blow-with-key-man-ruled-out-for-the-season |access-date=11 November 2024 |website=Love Rugby League}}</ref> He was required to undergo surgery and was ruled out for the remainder of the season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Callum |date=23 August 2024 |title=Castleford Tigers' Craig Lingard reveals injury blows and potentially surprising injury return |url=https://www.totalrl.com/castleford-tigers-craig-lingard-reveals-injury-blows-and-potentially-surprising-injury-return/ |access-date=11 November 2024 |website=TotalRL}}</ref>
Hodson began the 2025 season filling in at second-row in the absences of Alex Mellor and Jeremiah Simbiken. New Castleford head coach Danny McGuire said of his performances, "It's not a position he's massively familiar with but I do see a future for him there, he has done a good job there."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chapman Coombe |first=Louis |date=21 February 2025 |title=Castleford Tigers boosted by return of key man for St Helens clash |url=https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/castleford-tigers-boosted-by-return-of-key-man-for-st-helens-clash |access-date=11 April 2025 |website=Love Rugby League}}</ref>
==== Widnes Vikings (loan) ==== On 25 April 2025, it was announced that he had signed for Widnes Vikings in the RFL Championship on a two-week loan deal.<ref>{{cite web|website=Widnes Vikings|date=25 Apr 2025|accessdate=28 Apr 2025|title=VIKINGS SIGN JOSH HODSON ON TWO WEEK LOAN|url=https://widnesvikings.co.uk/vikings-sign-josh-hodson-on-two-week-loan/}}</ref>
==== Sheffield Eagles (loan) ==== On 11 June 2025, it was announced that he had signed for Sheffield Eagles in the RFL Championship on loan.<ref>{{cite web|website=Love Rugby League|date=11 Jun 2025|author=Ben Olawumi|title=Castleford Tigers ace makes another Championship move as latest loan confirmed|url=https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/castleford-tigers-ace-makes-another-championship-move-as-latest-loan-confirmed}}</ref>
=== Sheffield Eagles === On 15 October 2025 it was announced he had made his temporary loan signing permanent with Sheffield Eagles on a 2-year deal.<ref>{{cite web|website=Total RL|date=15 Oct 2025|author=Doug Thomson|title=New signing Josh Hodson at centre of Sheffield Eagles’ plans|url=https://www.totalrl.com/new-signing-josh-hodson-at-centre-of-sheffield-eagles-plans/}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== *[https://londonbroncosrl.com/player/josh-hodson/ London Broncos profile]
{{Sheffield Eagles squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hodson, Josh}} Category:2000 births Category:Living people Category:21st-century English sportsmen Category:Batley Bulldogs players Category:Castleford Tigers players Category:English rugby league players Category:London Broncos players Category:People from Newport, Shropshire Category:Rugby league players from Shropshire Category:Rugby league centres Category:Rugby league second-rows Category:Sheffield Eagles players Category:Widnes Vikings players