www.widnesvikings.co.uk/news/art ... ching-team
23rd January 2014
Widnes Vikings have bolstered Denis Betts’ backroom team by signing former Super League Man of Steel Brett Hodgson.
The 35-year-old ex-Warrington Wolves and Huddersfield Giants full-back joins the Select Security Stadium club as a coaching consultant.
Hodgson, who has also won six caps for New South Wales and represented Wests Magpies, Wests Tigers and Parramatta Eels in the NRL, will work with the outside backs and halves across all levels at the Vikings.
Denis Betts, Widnes Head Coach, said the Australian will bring another dimension to his backroom team and will improve the players he works with.
He said: “Brett has got 350 first grade games under his belt both over here and in the NRL. He’s been there and done it at the very top and to have someone of his caliber here is a real coup for the club.
“He was a quality player and is a great person to have around our environment where he can pass that experience and knowledge on to our younger players.
“Whether he’s delivering kicking sessions with the Academy players or some of the First Team, he can offer them so much. He’s a very, very good coach and we’re delighted to have him on board.”
Hodgson, who won a NRL Premiership with Wests in 2005 and a Challenge Cup with Warrington in 2012, hung up his boots as a player at the end of the season with the 2013 Grand Final losing Wolves.
The former Exiles skipper says he’s delighted to be joining the Vikings where he looks to make the smooth transition from recently retired player to coach.
Hodgson said: “I’m happily retired now and I’m grateful to Denis Betts and Widnes for offering me this opportunity.
“There’s a great bunch of guys here and the players are really enthusiastic and want to learn and improve.
“Widnes is a very good club to be at. The culture of the club is very professional and it’s a good working environment with excellent facilities.
“I got my coaching badges quite a while ago in Australia and every off-season I have gone back home to work with some pretty good coaches in a bid to improve me as a coach for when that time comes, which is obviously now.
“Coaching is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and I’m looking forward to working with Denis, the players and staff at the Vikings as it’s a exciting time to be involved.”
*Check out our Social Media Channels from 12noon for an exclusive interview with our new consultant coach tomorrow.
