Newcastle Knight Trent Hodkinson has been nominated for the 2016 Ken Stephen Medal which recognises the efforts of NRL players who have not only achieved success and leadership on-field, but have contributed to community projects off-field to make a positive difference and change.
As a nominated player, Trent has consistently demonstrated his commitment to making a difference in his community and is seen as a positive role model.
Trent is a person who leads by example and displays commitment, compassion and drive when representing the Newcastle Knights both on and off the field. The joint-captain goes above and beyond to help those in our community and his genuine care and respect is recognised by everyone he meets.
His significant and unique contribution to the community through Rugby League is driven through his ‘Tren7s Kick for Kids’ initiative. He established the initiative himself in 2014 to help put smiles back on the faces of children who are sick and lift the spirits of both them and their families.
Each week, Trent works closely with the local John Hunter Children’s Hospital (JHCH) to identify a child who is currently spending time in hospital. Trent writes that child’s name on his kicking tee for that week’s round and dedicates each kick to that child. For home games, if the child is medically fit, Trent provides tickets to the game for the child and their family to attend and invites them to the changeroom after the game to present them with special gifts.
He has also raised a total of $10,000 for the JHCH through his ‘Tren7s Kick for Kids’ initiative which included a personal donation from Trent himself.
For every successful conversion Trent kicked throughout the 2016 season, a $100 donation was made which contributed to this major donation to the JHCH.
An avid animal lover, Trent has been an ambassador for RSPCA NSW for the past 3 years. Through this ambassadorship, Trent uses his high profile combined with his passion for animals to raise awareness for RSPCA and in particular their Million Paws Walk which he participates in each year with his two Staffordshire terriers.
Hodkinson embodies everything a Ken Stephen Medal winner should be. He is an asset to the game, and the local Hunter region, the Newcastle Knights and all organisations in which he is aligned with.
The Club encourages all Knights Members and fans to vote for Trent online to receive the Ken StephenMedal.
This prestigious award will be presented at the 2016 Dally M Awards.
