Article today in the SMH says Trent is targeting the starting 6 role. Be interesting how that pans out for him. If Elgey beats him to the five eighth role then I suspect Trent will be playing for Blacktown as you would think Fainu offers more off the bench
'A tough couple of years': Hodkinson hopes to nail down spot where career started
Sam PhillipsFebruary 19, 2019 — 5.04pm
After a "tough couple of years", Trent Hodkinson feels at home having settled back in at the Sea Eagles.
Hodkinson returned to the club where his NRL career started halfway through last season as Manly frantically searched for a five-eighth, bringing an end to a rollercoaster which saw him play at Canterbury, Newcastle and Cronulla in the space of four years.
"Des jumping on board again has been great for the club. It’s exciting," Hodkinson said. "I’ve been under him for most of my career and I feel I play my best footy under Des."
On a personal front, Hodkinson has set himself the task of beating Kane Elgey for first crack at five-eighth.
While he feels his performances were serviceable from the bench, Hodkinson wants to be on the field from the first whistle.
"Every player wants to start and nail down a starting role," he said. "Prior to last year I was starting games and that’s where you want to be.
"You want to be out there from the get go and that’s what we want to do so we will see what happens. I’ve been training in the halves the whole pre-season so we will just have to wait and see."
Earning the coveted starting spot would only add to the excitement of Hodkinson's homecoming.
"I spent a fair bit of time at the Dogs and you find a home there," Hodkinson said. "But the feeling of coming back to where it all started is special."