One more match followed by six months of celebrations.
That’s the plan for retiring Western Force veteran Matt Hodgson as he gears up for his farewell rugby match. Hodgson will hang up the boots following Saturday night’s Super Rugby clash with the NSW Waratahs in Perth, and he hopes to go out with a memorable win.
The 35-year-old has been sidelined for the past five weeks with a torn calf. But he has declared himself fit for his finale, saying he can go 80 minutes if needed.
Hodgson will be remembered as the most influential figure in the Force’s history. As a player, he was talented and fearless. As a leader, he was a rock – especially this year during the Force’s fight for survival.
The Force’s future hangs in the balance, and Hodgson will continue the fight for their survival beyond this weekend. But for now, Hodgson is fully focused on helping the Force snare a win that could see them finish second in the Australian conference.
And his plans for after the game?
“We’re all catching up for a few drinks for the next six months,” Hodgson said with a laugh.
“That will be pretty exciting – actually stopping.
“I’m pretty excited. I’m enjoying every moment I get to be out with the boys.
“It probably won’t hit me until that final hooter goes.”
A little-know fact is Hodgson actually started his career at the Waratahs, but serious injuries to his ankle, shoulder, and knee meant Hodgson never got to play a game for his home-town club.
The knee injury was so bad, Hodgson feared he would never play rugby again.
But Hodgson eventually recovered from the reconstruction and was thrown a rugby lifeline by the Force when he was the last man signed to their inaugural roster ahead of their 2006 debut.
Hodgson has played a club-record 139 games for the Force, notched 11 caps for the Wallabies, and become a respected figurehead in Australian rugby. As a player director of the rugby union Players’ Association, Hodgson has become a critic of the ARU’s decision to cull an Australian franchise.
Hodgson wants both the Rebels and the Force to survive, saying a 16-team competition is the preferred model among players.
He believes the Force could win the title in 2019 if they stay in the competition.
sittingbison
Guest
He did better than deck him... Hodgo sledging Hooper during Tahrds demolition: "Mate who needs the extra two mill" lol
Sheikh
Roar Rookie
Great man. Always gives 100% on the field and takes time to chat to the fans off it. Can't recall a peep of a controversy about him. Absolute ambassador for rugby and indigenous inclusion
Hannes
Guest
Graham Cooper and Will Houston. With Ian Smith as TMO. We may get fair calls! http://www.sanzarrugby.com/superrugby/news/super-rugby-round-17-referee-appointments/
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
WA is a bit like ancient Rome. They accepted skilled tradesmen from across the region, many of them outcasts to build one of the greatest cities in the ancient world. Coleman, Philip, Meaks, Morahan, Lance, the list goes on. The key is spotting, keeping and nurturing tradesmen and teaming them up with local talent. Don't forget the ones that got way - Godwin, Alcock and Pocock. We need to avoid the ARU brand lead pipe Kool-aide that Nero (Pulver) is trying to force us to drink. It is sending us mad and setting us on the path to burn the place to the ground leaving nothing but scorched earth and AFL cockroaches. Yeah, I know, that last bit was a bit dark but the imagery helps express how I feel.
markie362
Guest
Well said.goodbye to a champ
piru
Roar Rookie
some alternatives http://sp.imgci.com/PICTURES/CMS/17500/17587.jpg http://www.matthodgson.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Hodgo-Tunnel-shot-ball-up.jpg http://www.rugby.com.au/-/media/hi_1000x667_grey_larger_border/161020-hodgson-signs.ashx?h=667&la=en&mw=1000&w=1000&hash=D79E38CC18EE1D6766DDB16D8EAF23706E0A9CB8
scottd
Guest
"Hodgo" - really sums up what rugby should be about Am looking forward to him taking a coaching role at the Force next year and our team playing in the finals
Crazy Horse
Roar Pro
That hasn't been tru for years. There were only four players from NSW in last werk's 23.
Crazy Horse
Roar Pro
No Hoffman is the best news all week. Who's the TMO?
wag
Guest
All the very best to Hodgo and to the Force ! Matt, you certainly deserve to retire on a winning note, and the Force deserve NOT to be cut from Super Rugby. { IF they can beat NSW this weekend, they could finish 2nd in the Aust. Conf. with NSW 4th. What will Mr. Pulver & Co. do then??? } Matt, you have been an inspiration both on & off the field. If all Aust. players showed the same dedication and determination that you do, then our Super Rugby teams (& the Wallabies) would be much, much more competitive. All the very best (from this Queenslander and others) in your retirement. I just hope that the Western Force will be there next year so that you can continue to give them your great support in retirement !!!
piru
Roar Rookie
I thought we'd agreed that unflattering pic of Hodgo would no longer be used?
Marto
Guest
Hodgey mate , Can u deck that cross eyed pretender 7 in the last minute when the game is out of reach for the Tahs.. Ta mate...Have a good one...
piru
Roar Rookie
You lost the right to call him a Sydney product when you cut him
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Wasn't aware the Central Coast was in Sydney...
scrumpoacher
Guest
We're just the western Sydney side didnt ya know?
Hannes
Guest
Will not miss it for anything in the world. Nic Berry is the ref, glad we did not get Hoffman. It will be a very tough match as the Tahs will have something to proof after the lost while the Force will want give Hodgeson a well deserving send off.
Jock Cornet
Guest
Yeah a great Sydney product . I hope the rest of the the eastern state Force can give it to the glorified tahs.
MitchO
Guest
Yes. Good luck to the great man. The sort of leader every club needs. Shows his worth when things are hard.
piru
Roar Rookie
Here's hoping for a big, convincing win supported by a big, noisy crowd. Hodgo deserves it