Hodgson elected to RLPA Board

The Rugby League Players Association is pleased to announce Josh Hodgson has been officially elected to the Board of Directors at the Annual General Meeting on 23rd March 2022.

Steve Harker and Hannah Southwell have also been formally elected to the RLPA Board of Directors, having been appointed as casual Board members in 2021.

Speaking about his election to the RLPA Board of Directors, Josh Hodgson said:

“I am thrilled and proud to be elected to the RLPA Board of Directors. I am grateful to the playing group for trusting in me to represent them at this level.

“This is going to be an important year for the NRL and NRLW playing groups with the upcoming negotiations of the next collective bargaining agreement. Our goal is to secure the best terms and conditions ever for players and I also look forward to having a voice on a wide range of matters.”

Clint Newton on the official appointment of Josh Hodgson to the RLPA Board of Directors:

“Josh is an incredible player, leader and person. He has worked resolutely for the players as an RLPA Delegate and then as a member of the Men’s Player Advisory Group from last year. I know for certain that he will show the same passion for his colleagues as a Director of the Association.”

“The RLPA is a truly player-lead association, and the addition of Josh Hodgson to our Board of Directors is just another example of that. The NRL and NRLW playing groups have never been more knowledgeable of their rights, committed to advancing their interests, and united in their collective strength.”

RLPA CEO Clint Newton thanked departing Board members Sia Soliola and Dale Copley for their incredible contribution to the Board.

“Sia and Dale were essential to the game on the field, and off it they worked tirelessly to advocate for the rights of all players,” said Clint Newton.

“They will forever be a part of the RLPA family and we wish them only the very best in retirement. All former, current and future players are grateful for their advocacy, and their contribution to the players will be felt for generations to come.”

Additional information about Josh Hodgson:

Josh Hodgson brings a wealth of experience to the RLPA Board of Directors having played 138 games in his eight NRL seasons at the Canberra Raiders and 136 Super League games for Hull FC and Hull Kingston Rovers. Hodgson has also played 19 times for England.

Additional information about Steve Harker:

Steve Harker is currently a Director of The Banking and Finance Oath (BFO), a Board member of the ASX Thomson Reuters Charity Foundation and The Hunger Project Australia.

Mr Harker was appointed Chairman of the Investment and Executive Committees at Future Now Capital in 2020 and was Non-Executive Director, Westpac Group until 2021. Prior to that, he was Vice-Chairman of Morgan Stanley Australia from October 2016 to February 2019 and Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Morgan Stanley Australia from 1998 to 2016.

Mr Harker had previously been appointed as a casual vacancy on the RLPA Board.

Additional information about Hannah Southwell:

Hannah Southwell currently plays for the Sydney Roosters and debuted in the NRLW in 2018 playing for the St George Illawarra Dragons.

She has also represented New South Wales three times and Australia twice. In 2020 she was named the RLPA Players’ Champion.

Ms Southwell had previously been appointed as a casual vacancy on the RLPA Board and is also a current member of the RLPA Women’s Player Advisory Group.

RLPA Board of Directors:

Dr Deidre Anderson (Chair)
Clint Newton (CEO & Managing Director)
Daly Cherry-Evans (General President)
Wade Graham
Pippa Leary
Hannah Southwell
Christian Welch
Josh Hodgson
Steve Harker