Josh Hodgson Steps Down As Canberra Raiders Captain Amid Departure Rumours

Josh Hodgson has confirmed he will be stepping down as Canberra Raiders captain as rumours continue to swirl regarding his future in the Australian capital.

The English hooker, who is only just returning from a hip injury, has recently been linked with a move to the Brisbane Broncos.

"I've made the decision to stand down as club captain and I informed the team of this a couple of weeks ago," Hodgson said in a statement.

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"I've been out injured for the past two games and I've been working hard on getting myself back on the training field. I'm confident I'll be ready to play again when we play the Bulldogs next weekend.

"I can assure everyone that I remain fully committed to the club and I'm looking forward to getting myself back to 100 per cent fitness and helping the team get their season back on track.

"I know internally we're all working extremely hard to turn things around and the playing group and staff have been fully committed to each other and the club."

The 32-year-old has become a fan favourite among Canberra fans and has donned the club's famous green jersey since 2015.

As for the Raiders' other Englishman, it seems he's not too settled either.

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Reports recently emerged that star halfback George Williams was starting to feel homesick.

The club have now confirmed that speculation as true, adding: "The Raiders will continue to offer George and his partner all the support they need, and George has confirmed he remains committed to the club."

It's understood Elliott Whitehead will step into Hodgson's shoes to co-captain the Raiders alongside Jarrod Croker.

Hodgson's decision comes as a major blow for the club in a season where they haven't exactly lived up to lofty expectations.

Not only are the Raiders in the bottom half of the NRL ladder, but there have been a number of off-field incidents that would suggest there's some unrest within the team.

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Star man Josh Papalii has been far from his best and was forced to sit out of the team's loss to the Rabbitohs after saying he felt "flat".

And after the game things got even worse when Joe Tapine's wife came out and publicly criticised head coach Ricky Stuart via social media for his interchanges.

Topics: nrl news, Brisbane Broncos, Canberra Raiders, Rugby League, nrl, Australia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry