Hodgson leaves Tigers to coach Hull FC 'demanding success'

Brett Hodgson will leave Wests Tigers to take up the head coaching job with Super League club Hull FC.

Hodgson, who was a member of the Tigers' 2005 premiership-winning team, will reunite with former teammate Gareth Ellis, who is moving into an assistant’s role after hanging up his boots at 39.

A former Tigers captain, Hodgson was an assistant coach under Ivan Cleary in 2017 and he remained on the coaching staff after Michael Maguire took over last year.

He has played and coached in the Super League, winning the Man of Steel award while playing for Huddersfield in 2009 and the Lance Todd Trophy after Warrington’s 2012 Challenge Cup triumph – becoming only the fourth Australian to do so.

The former NSW Origin fullback began his coaching career as an assistant at Widnes Vikings and previously worked at Hull FC as a coaching consultant, specifically with the club’s playmakers.

Hodgson also spent time with Sale Sharks in rugby union, as well as periods with a number of NRL clubs and coaches as he continued his development as a coach.

He will travel to England in December and begin pre-season training with the Hull FC squad in January.

"I’m very excited. I spent nine years over in England playing in Super League and then moving into coaching, with one of those years as a consultant at Hull FC so I know some of the people at the club already," Hodgson said.

"It is a fantastic club with real pedigree and ambition, so I’m excited to be heading back and hopefully helping such a prestigious club to achieve some success.

"To come back to Super League where I spent a large chunk of my career and join a high-profile side was too good to turn down. I really enjoy the style of football over there.

"Hull demands success, and that’s what I’m about. With the staff and players we have, and the support of the great fans there, I’m really excited about what we can achieve together over the next couple of years.

"I have had opportunities at other clubs but have been waiting for the right option, but with the experience of the club and Super League previously, Hull FC is just a too good opportunity to turn down."

Hull FC Chairman Adam Pearson said Hodgson had earned his opportunity to become a head coach and would be assisted by Ellis and Kieron Purtill, while interim coach Andy Last would be offered another position.

"Brett is recognised in Australia as one of the brightest, up and coming coaches in the NRL and having turned down other opportunities we are privileged to get him at this point in his career," Pearson said.

"We had an extensive list of applications from varying backgrounds, but Brett has emerged from a thorough process as the stand out candidate for what we were looking for, in particular his passion for the sport, his ideas and aspirations in the role and what he feels we can achieve as a club.

"He made a fantastic impression during his time with us previously and he is held in very high regards at Wests Tigers, so we are delighted to have secured his services."