Though only in Super League for a total of five seasons, Brett Hodgson was arguably one of the most gifted overseas player that the summer game had ever seen.

Born in Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia, Hodgson played for Western Suburbs, Parramatta Eels and Wests Tigers before jetting to the UK on a two-year deal with the Huddersfield Giants in 2009 aged 30.

Despite coming with a wealth of experience, some cynics were convinced that Hodgson was coming for one last pay cheque; how wrong were they? He was made captain before he even stepped foot on the field for the Giants, with then boss Nathan Brown hailing his leadership skills.

In his first season with the West Yorkshire club, the veteran fullback won the Man of Steel in 2009 after helping steer Huddersfield to their first Challenge Cup Final since 1962 – they did, however, lose the final, 16-25 to Warrington.

In winning the Man of Steel, Hodgson became only the fourth Australian to scoop up the award since its inauguration in 1977.

His performances in 2009 and 2010 had not gone unnoticed and Warrington swooped for the fullback at the end of 2010 with Huddersfield only offering the fullback a one-year deal. In 52 games for Huddersfield, Hodgson scored 16 tries and kicked 182 goals.

Whilst at the Wolves, the Aussie lifted the Challenge Cup (2012), winning the Lance Todd trophy with his performance in Warrington’s 35-18 drubbing of Leeds. In doing so, Hodgson became only the fourth Australian to win the Lance Todd trophy in the competition’s history.

At the age of 35 and in his third year at Warrington, the fullback announced his retirement. In merely 75 games, the Aussie had registered 39 tries, 314 goals and two drop-goals.

At both Huddersfield and Warrington, Hodgson had made a huge impression; a reliable, solid and respected fullback, despite being just 5 ft 9 and 78kg, the Aussie made up for his slight frame with an incredible toughness.

Hodgson was made captain of “The Exiles” team that would do battle against England in an “International Origin Series.”

The fullback scored the most points for The Exiles over the three years of the series’ lifetime, further underlining his credentials as a player that excelled at the highest level.

Hodgson left the Wolves at the end of the 2013 season to join both Hull FC and the Widnes Vikings as a coaching consultant. He also served as the kicking consultant for Rugby Union side Sale Sharks.

He then became the assistant coach at Widnes Vikings, before returning home at the end of 2017 to become assistant coach of Wests Tigers’ feeder team, the Western Suburbs Magpies.