Hodgson: I won’t watch Challenge Cup final re-run

Aug 31 2009 by Roy Wright, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

INSPIRATIONAL Giants captain Brett Hodgson has revealed he may never be able to bring himself to watch the Challenge Cup final against Warrington.

Although the 31-year-old full-back has admitted leading out the side at Wembley is one of the top highlights of his glittering career, the former Australian NRL star felt that came as very scant consolation.

“Losing a game as big as this comes as a huge disappointment, even though the occasion was very special,” said Hodgson.

“I couldn’t believe how loud the roar was when the crowd erupted. I’ve played in front of over 100,000 back in Australia, and this was loudest I’ve heard.

“That’s probably one of the best memories I’ll take from the final, because the way we played isn’t something I want to remember!

“To be honest, I’ve never watched a replay of my Grand Final loss with Parramatta in 2001and I won’t be watching this final again either.”

Hodgson will, however, have to take part in the review of the final, with the Giants desperate to find answers as to why they under-performed so badly.

“At this stage we can’t really put our finger on it,” he added.

“But for some reason we just lacked cohesion and the effort to win the game. We went away from the gameplan, and that’s something we haven’t been doing.”

Another player who may find it a struggle to sit down and watch the final is scrum half Luke Robinson.