You cannot say that Hodgson in the SL was better than all his French counterparts. Theo Fages, for example, is central to the St. Helens attack structures, as well as being a vigorous defender. As the renowned and astute observer Adam Kungl put it earlier here, Theo Fages is a gun. Morgan Escare has been excellent for Wigan and a crowd favorite. Pelissier is always good for Leigh. These three have been at least as good if not better than Hodgson was before he came to Canberra.
Just arguing with my "alt" again...
Fages is well short of "vigorous" as a defender. He is OK. St Helens have been terrible, particularly in attack (their defense has been decent), so it is not like Fages has been outstanding. Fages might still make it in the NRL, but I wouldn't rate him now, a better prospect than Hodgson was in Super League.
Escare might be a "crowd favourite". Who wouldn't admire a plucky little 73 kg full back, giving it his all? But he has not been very good. He scores some great tries, but he gets rag dolled plenty of times, and would be destroyed in the NRL. Obvious trolling to suggest otherwise.
Pelissier is and was well below Hodgson in the Super League.To compare the two is laughable. I'd compare Hodgson in the Super League to someone like Houghton (pre 2016- he also had a break out year)- very good, with a lot of potential (which they both have carried through on in 2016 and 2017- Houghton obviously had a few years experience over Hodgson, and Hodgson was probably seen in 2013/2014 as having better potential but maybe not the same experience, but the point is they were similar levels, and both "good" at Super League level). Pelissier is not even close to that level. He has good moments, plays with heaps of energy, and doesn't play remotely tough or smart enough to make it in the NRL.
