Castleford Tigers Centre Josh Hodson Drops to Championship as Chris Chester Explains Decision
By Mark Ellison – Rugby League Tribune
In a surprising move that has sparked widespread discussion across the rugby league community, Castleford Tigers centre Josh Hodson will drop down to the Betfred Championship for the remainder of the 2025 season. The 24-year-old, once hailed as one of Super League’s most promising backline talents, will join Featherstone Rovers on an initial loan deal, with an option for a permanent switch depending on performance and club circumstances.
The news, confirmed late Friday evening by Castleford’s Director of Rugby Chris Chester, has taken many fans aback, especially considering Hodson’s standout moments over the last two seasons. While injury setbacks and inconsistent form have slightly derailed his progression, few expected such a dramatic shift in his career path mid-season.
In an exclusive interview with the Rugby League Tribune, Chester elaborated on the club’s thinking behind the move.
“Josh is a talented lad. Nobody at the club questions his potential or his commitment,” said Chester. “But rugby league is about form, about opportunity, and sometimes about timing. Right now, we have other players in his position performing at a very high level, and Josh needs regular game time to develop. Sitting on the bench or being out of the squad entirely doesn’t do him or the club any favours.”
Hodson, who joined Castleford from the London Broncos in 2023, initially made waves with his aggressive running lines and strong defensive reads. In his debut year at the Jungle, he crossed the try line eight times and earned a nomination for the club’s Young Player of the Year. His early 2024 form was promising, but a shoulder injury in April sidelined him for eight weeks, and he has since struggled to recapture a starting spot.
According to Chester, that reality played a large role in the decision to seek a Championship opportunity.
“We had honest conversations with Josh. He’s hungry to play, and he knows sitting in the reserves or just training week in, week out isn’t going to help his cause. Featherstone came forward with a serious interest and a promise to give him meaningful minutes. That’s what he needs right now.”
The move is also strategic from Castleford’s perspective. With overseas recruit João de Lacerda impressing at left centre and young local product Ethan Rawson emerging on the right side, Hodson found himself lower down the pecking order. The club’s recent focus on blooding youth has seen a handful of academy players getting first-team minutes, further increasing competition for spots.
Chris Chester emphasized that this isn’t a punishment or the end of Hodson’s journey with the Tigers.
“Let me be clear: this isn’t Castleford saying goodbye. This is Castleford supporting a player to find his rhythm again. If Josh lights it up in the Championship, he’ll be right back in the mix. We’ll be watching every game. His attitude has been exemplary throughout all of this.”
Featherstone Rovers, currently sitting third in the Championship and chasing promotion, appear to have landed a coup. Head coach James Webster spoke briefly after the announcement, calling Hodson “a Super League-calibre centre who brings both skill and toughness.”
“We’re delighted to bring in Josh. He’s someone we’ve admired from a distance for a while. We think he can make a real difference to our push this year, and we’re excited to give him a platform to play freely.”
Hodson, for his part, remained diplomatic in a brief club-issued statement.
“I want to thank Cas for being upfront and supportive through all of this. I’m excited to join Featherstone and play regular footy again. I’ve got a lot more to give.”
Fan reactions have been mixed. On social media, some supporters expressed confusion over the move, particularly with Castleford currently sitting 9th in Super League and still searching for consistency in their backline.
On a fan forum, user @CasTiger1978 wrote: “I don’t get this. Josh is young, quick, and has potential. Why not give him game time here when we’re struggling?”
Others, however, saw the logic in the decision. @RLInsider posted: “Smart from Chester. Loaning out a young centre to keep him sharp while giving others a chance—better than losing him entirely. Let’s see how he goes.”
Rugby league pundit and former Great Britain international Kevin Brown offered his take on Sky Sports:
“It’s not always black and white. Hodson’s a good player, but sometimes players plateau. A new environment, a different coach, a different competition—those things can reignite a career. This might be the best thing that’s happened to him.”
Castleford, meanwhile, continue to rebuild under head coach Danny Ward. With a roster that blends experience and youth, the club is navigating a transition period. While the play-offs are still mathematically within reach, consistency has eluded them, and fans will be watching closely to see whether letting Hodson go comes back to haunt them.
For now, the focus turns to Featherstone, where Hodson is expected to debut next weekend against Widnes Vikings. Rovers are in a fierce battle with Toulouse and Bradford for a top-two finish and the automatic route back to Super League.
If all goes well, Josh Hodson might just remind everyone—including his parent club—why he was once seen as a centre destined for England honours.
And as Chris Chester put it:
“Sometimes you need to take a step back to leap forward. We still believe in Josh. This isn’t goodbye—it’s just a detour.”
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