Radford proud of Hull KR star Hodgson’s path to England

It’s perhaps unusual for a coach of Hull FC to declare his pride in one of Hull KR’s best players – but for FC boss Lee Radford, there is no hiding his delight as Josh Hodgson prepares to make his debut for England tomorrow.

Radford – who is heavily involved with amateur club East Hull – coached Hodgson as a youngster, working with him for almost a decade before he was signed up by the Robins as a teenager.

And with Canberra-bound Hodgson lining up at hooker tomorrow for England, it caps a remarkable story that Radford is delighted to see have a happy ending – and he admitted he will be proud of Hodgson when he steps out onto the field in an England shirt.

“I’ve known Josh since he was eight years old,” Radford told the Hull Daily Mail. “I coached him from the age of eight until he was 16. I’m really pleased for him and it’s a great achievement for the kid.

“To see him now play for England will be a proud moment for me. With him going to Canberra next year, this will give him a taste of international football and he’ll certainly benefit from that.

“It’ll be great to see him make his England debut.”