The Canberra Raiders can confirm Josh Hodgson and Bailey Simonsson will depart the Raiders, with both players securing contracts with another NRL club.
Hodgson will remain with the Raiders until the completion of the 2022 season before departing, while Simonsson will depart effective immediately to commence his new deal ahead of the 2022 season.
Josh Hodgson (Raider #325) joined the Raiders in 2015 and has played 137 matches for the club so far, while Simonsson (Raider #356) departs after representing the Raiders on 45 occasions since making his debut in 2019.
Both players have been wonderful ambassadors for the club during their careers in green and were both involved in the 2019 team which made it through to the NRL Grand Final.
Raiders CEO Don Furner said the club would like to take the opportunity to thank both players for their contributions to the club.
“Josh Hodgson arrived from England in 2015 with little fanfare and developed into a great player and leader at this club. He led the way for a wave of UK players who joined the Raiders and helped turn the Club around. His record which includes three Preliminary finals, and one Grand Final is something he can be proud of,” Furner said. “We’re very fortunate to have Josh for the 2022 season and we know his professionalism, experience and football ability will be a huge asset for us this season before he departs.”
“Bailey Simonsson is a young player with a bright future ahead of him and although it’s always hard to see good players who are also good people leave the club, we wish him nothing but the best,” Furner said. “He’s a very talented player who has developed while at our club and we would always welcome him back.”
