Hodge signs to Knights
Local football talent Michael James Hodge has topped off a busy year, having signed with the Newcastle Knights Rugby League team for the 2007/2008 season.
In September he received an invitation to trial with the Knights and in recent weeks the 16-year-old Red Bend student decided to sign with the Newcastle team, guaranteed a spot in the SG Ball team for 2008.
Recruitment and Welfare Officer for the Knights, Michael McIntyre, came to Forbes at the beginning of the month to personally go through the contract with Hodge.
A strong Knights supporter, Hodge is thrilled with his decision and is looking forward to his bright future within the club.
"I've always wanted to do this - since I was six or seven I've been working towards this," Hodge said.
"It's not going to be easy but it's what I want to do."
While this year has been a whirlwind of league tryouts and standouts, Hodge has also been playing representative touch football.
A member of the Pumas men's open team, Hodge recently competed in the regional Touch Championships in Orange and has also been selected to play for the Mens 20 Hornets Touch team in March of next year at Coffs Harbour.
Over the years Hodge has represented New South Wales under 15's, under 16's, under 18's and now the under 20's in both rugby league and touch football teams, which is a huge feat for such a young athlete.
However due to rugby league commitments Hodge has already had to decline other touch football competitions.
It seems next year will continue to prove a balancing act for Hodge as he commences the higher school certificate.
"I plan to go to TAFE or gain work [after school]," Hodge said.
"But it will really be about time management because I want to concentrate on my league."
This weekend Hodge will attend a camp at Myuna Bay Sports and Recreation Centre where he will meet with coaching staff and fellow Newcastle players.
"I'm prepared to work," Hodge said.
"And it will be worthwhile in the end."
It was around the age of 15 that Hodge knew he had the chance and ability to step up and follow his rugby league dream.
"It takes hard work and dedication," Hodge said.
"And it gets tough with the early mornings and all the training but you just have to keep doing it."
From:
[URL="http://forbes.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=sport&subclass=general&story_id=535755&category=General&m=11&y=2006"]http://forbes.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=sport&subclass=general&story_id=535755&category=General&m=11&y=2006[/URL]
