Josh Hodgson's proposed shift to the West Tigers has come to a steady halt after teammate Tom Starling was charged by police following an alleged physical altercation.
While some doubt has now been cast over Hodgson's proposed move, The Australian's Brent Read believes that a simple player swap may be opted for as an alternative.
โStarling is facing charges which casts a shadow over him particularly if the NRL decides to sanction him and he may miss the start of next season, Read said onย Triple M.
โThat could have ramifications for Josh Hodgson, but I donโt think it will.
โI just think that deal has gone too far down the path for them to wind it back now.
โThe Raiders have given Josh Hodgson genuine hope that he would be able to go to the Tigers and get an extra year and extend his career.
โHe is such an influential guy at the Raiders that if he is unhappy it just wonโt work.
โEven though the Starling issue has happened and it may impact on it my gut feel is it wonโt because I just think it has gone too far.โ
The main area of concern for Canberra is that they have such little depth in the hooker position.
Given this, Read believes that a simple swap with Hodgson and Jacob Liddle should be taken into strong consideration.
โThat is the issue because Sivila Havili has now moved to the Rabbitohs so they donโt have depth there,โ Read continued.
โI would imagine they would have to go to market to sign an experienced hooker.
โThey will save around $500,000 on Hodgson so that gives them some money to go out and maybe sign a back-up hooker for $100,000 and it still gives them plenty of money to spend.
โMaybe they look at a guy like Jacob Liddle if Hodgson goes to the Tigers. Maybe they bring him into the Raiders system for a couple of years and then Liddle goes back to the Tigers when Hodgson retires.โ
Both Liddle and Hodgson remain contracted at their respective clubs for next season.
