nib Newcastle Knights halfback Trent Hodkinson will reach a milestone on Friday night at Allianz Stadium, when he runs out for his 150th NRL match.
In an illustrious career that has included Origin, City Origin and more than 30 games for the Knights, Hodkinson's focus is on getting the right result against the Sydney Roosters.
“It is going to be a great night although I don’t want it to be about me,” Hodkinson stated.
“I want it to be about the team and trying to get a win.
“It is a great achievement but I’ll be focusing on the team and trying to get a win for us.”
The 28-year-old knows a second placed Roosters on home soil will prove to be an extremely difficult task but maintains they’re up for it.
“We are improving each week and we’ve just got to find a way to nut it out, right to the end so we’ve worked on it this week,” explained Hodkinson.
“That is a learning thing for a young team and we’re stepping it up each game.
“It is a process of learning and finishing off games so we’re getting there and I’m sure we’ll give it a good crack.”
Hodkinson knows across the board the Roosters are a dangerous team.
“They are not up near the top for no reason and their Origin stars are coming back after a tough loss and they’ll be keen to go back at Club level so we can’t take too many of them lightly,” he said.
“They have a great forward pack and some great outside backs, you’ve also got the halves that are outstanding at the moment so we’re going to have to be on our game.”
In his third match back in first grade, Hodkinson said he’s starting to return to form.
“It has been fairly good,” added Hodkinson.
“I have been happy with it and I’ve just got to keep chipping away and doing what I can for the team and concentrating on that.
“I’m just focusing on each week as it comes, doing my best for the team and the players around me.”
The Knights halfback admits it has been helpful with new recruit and former Rooster Shaun Kenny-Dowall giving them some hints and tips and how to attack the game.
“He has given us a lot with him coming from the Roosters and he knows the guys there quite well so he’s chipped in on video sessions quite a fair bit this week,” he said.
“Hopefully we can be ready for what’s to come.
“The big emphasis is for us to come out after half time and really continue what we do in the first half.”
The Knights travel to Sydney Thursday for their Roosters encounter on Friday night at Allianz Stadium, NYC kick off at 3.45pm before NRL at 6pm.
