'Absolute farce': Canberra's Josh Hodgson in HIA controversy
Debate has raged among NRL fans after Canberra’s Josh Hodgson remained on the ground after appearing to take a shot to the head early in the preliminary final against South Sydney.
Hodgson got his head caught in an awkward position as he tackled Liam Knight, and appeared to stumble as the players separated.
The Raiders star was briefly attended to by a team doctor on the ground, but played on.
He then went on to set up Canberra’s first try, before saving what looked to have been a certain four points for Cody Walker a short time later.
On commentary for Channel 9, Brad Fittler tipped the Raiders would get a “please explain” from the NRL during the week as to why the Englishman was not brought from the ground.
Many fans agreed with Fittler on social media.
How is Josh Hodgson still on the field!?! Absolute farce
— Dan (@danielmccamley) September 27, 2019
Josh Hodgson shouldn’t even be in the field #NRLRaidersSouths
— Jack Danny (@JackWDanny) September 27, 2019
There is no way they can let Josh Hodgson stay on the field
— James (@JamesK_1312) September 27, 2019
Feel like Raiders came out swinging. Hodgson lucky to stay on but lucky he did. He stays on and Souffs need to step up.
He goes and it’s possibly game over.
Scoreline doesn’t reflect the game.
Thanks for coming to my TED talk #nrlraiderssouths— Julz (@Juluuxx) September 27, 2019
Unfortunately for Souths, Hodgson was absolutely on fire throughout the first half, making a crucial defensive play and showing why he lead the NRL in one-on-one strips in 2019.
The Rabbitohs levelled the scores at 6-6 mid-way through the first half, but it was the Raiders who struck first in the second half, thanks to a creative, but fortunate, passage of play from Jack Wighton.
Questions over Smith’s future
Cooper Cronk could run out for his final NRL game on Saturday night but it might also mark the last time Cameron Smith takes the field.
Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy on Friday revealed the Storm skipper was undecided on his future beyond this year and might bow out after their preliminary final against the Sydney Roosters.
Smith is contracted for next season but could elect to hang up his boots immediately if the Storm are knocked out by the Roosters.
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Smith holds the record for most games played and will make his 411th appearance at the SCG. Bellamy said he expected to him to make a decision in consultation with his family in coming weeks.
"He'll see what he thinks is best, have a chat to the club," Bellamy said.
"Then we'll go from there. Whichever way he wants to go, I'll support him 100 per cent."