Tiger turns into a Wallaby: How former NRL star Brett Hodgson plans to repair Wallabies defence forward of the 2023 World Cup
- Ex-NRL star Brett Hodgson new Wallabies defensive coach
- Eddie Jones impressed by Hodgson’s consideration to element
- Briefly labored collectively earlier than Jones was sacked by England
Former NRL star Brett Hodgson is assured he can reach a brand new code after he was appointed the new Wallabies defence coach this week.
A premiership winner with the Wests Tigers in 2005, the ex-fullback will probably be ‘reunited’ with Eddie Jones.
He was working with Jones for England’s rugby group late final yr, solely to be relieved of his duties when the Purple and Whites went in a distinct path.
Jones then changed Dave Rennie because the Wallabies boss in January – and Hodgson leapt on the alternative to work with him once more forward of the World Cup in September.
‘I perceive rugby and I perceive in teaching you might be accountable to different selections that are not essentially your personal doing,’ Hodgson informed the Sydney Morning Herald.
Former Wests Tigers premiership-winner Brett Hodgson is assured he can reach a brand new code after he was appointed the brand new Wallabies defence coach this week
Additionally a star with the Eels in his NRL profession, Hodgson’s consideration to element noticed Jones attain out when the Wallabies got here calling
‘When Eddie was moved on [from the England role], there was an apparent thought course of about whoever got here in may convey his personal folks in, which was comprehensible.
‘I stored in contact with Eddie and acquired launched to [Wallabies general manager] Chris Webb and gave him a name, and utilized for the function.
‘Fortunately, all of it labored out.’
Hodgson first met Jones in 2018, and the unlikely pair hit it off.
He later invited Jones to coaching and video classes at Hull FC, the place the previous NSW no.1 was head coach within the English Tremendous League.
Additionally a star at NRL stage with the Eels, his consideration to element noticed Jones attain out when the Wallabies got here calling.
‘The gamers know methods to deal with. It is vital after we come into camp, we simply have a transparent plan, a system that is simple to execute and is efficient,’ Hodgson stated.
‘There are some methods that may assist a participant change into a greater defender however, in the end, it’s about how can we get everybody on the identical web page and defend as a unit….that is crucial factor.’
Jones remains to be to call the remainder of his teaching workers – and regardless of denials, there is no such thing as a doubt he has rugby league sorts resembling Peter V’Landys trying on nervously.
He not too long ago declared Roosters younger gun Joseph Suaalii, Eels centre Will Penisini, Sea Eagles flyer Tolu Koula, Rabbitohs lock Cameron Murray and Storm enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona as NRL gamers he admires.
Forward of the 2003 World Cup on dwelling soil, Jones – then in his first stint at Wallabies head coach – satisfied Wendell Sailor, Lote Tuqiri and Mat Rogers to defect from rugby league.
Time will inform if historical past repeats itself.
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