From the Telegraph
Josh Hodgson’s highly speculated move to Wests Tigers is on the verge of completely falling over.
It is understood the Tigers have set a deadline of the close of business on Monday to know one way or another if there is any chance of negotiations proceeding.
But unless there is an 11th hour change of heart it appears Hodgson will be staying put for the final year of his current deal.
It’s been suggested that the Tigers only want to pay Hodgson $500,000-a-season to make the move, but would offer him a two-year deal.
Josh Hodgson looks set to stay put at the Raiders. Picture: Getty Images
Josh Hodgson looks set to stay put at the Raiders. Picture: Getty Images
But given he is currently on a reported $850,000-plus, that would still mean a significant pay cut for this coming season, although he has been paid the first month of his 2022 salary worth an estimated $70,000.
The Raiders are also reluctant to let Hodgson go given the current uncertainty surrounding Tom Starling’s potential availability for the start of the new season.
Starling will front court in the new year over an alleged incident outside a Central Coast establishment that has resulted in police charges.
The Raiders were at one point interested in a potential swap between Hodgson and Jacob Liddle but nothing has come of that.
The Raiders have maintained all along that there is no ongoing drama between Ricky Stuart and Hodgson relating back to George Williams’ controversial exit earlier this year.