Hodges joins TDRL’s Roosters for 2023

BY ALF WILSON

The acquisition of talented Torres Strait Islander Jayden Hodges has boosted the chances of the Burdekin Roosters in the Townsville & District Rugby League (TDRL) competition.

Now 29, Hodges played NRL for the Manly Sea Eagles and the North Queensland Cowboys, and was with the Cairns-based Northern Pride during the past two seasons for the Queensland Cup.

Tough as nails, the hard-running forward lined up for Erub United when they won the 2021

Zenadth Kes carnival on Waiben the last time it was held.

The Roosters finished third last year in the TDRL before crashing out of their preliminary final against eventual premiers Herbert River.

Hodges was contracted to the Townsville Blackhawks, who will be one of the favourites for the this year’s Hostplus Queensland Cup competition.

He has been allocated to Burdekin Roosters Club by the Blackhawks, if not playing in the

Queensland Cup.

“We (Blackhawks) won a trial against the Mackay Cutters on the weekend,” he said.

“It has been a great opportunity to come to Townsville, where I work for the Clontarf Foundation, and I’m looking forward to the season.” excess charges otherwise apply)

Recently he was named by Townsville Bulletin as one of five players who could be called up by the Cowboys during 2023 season if forwards in the 30-man NRL squad were injured.

Hodges will be an asset to both the Blackhawks and Burdekin Roosters.

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