Huddersfield full-back Brett Hodgson will be fulfilling a childhood dream when he takes the field in Saturday's Carnegie Challenge Cup
Aussie looking forward to Wembley appearance
Huddersfield full-back Brett Hodgson will be fulfilling a childhood dream when he takes the field in Saturday's Carnegie Challenge Cup at Wembley.
The occasion holds a special mystique for Australian players and the 30-year-old is no exception.
Hodgson, who won the NRL with Wests Tigers in 2005, admitted he never thought he would be in the position he now finds himself.
"Never would I have ever imagined being able to go to Wembley to watch anything, never mind play," he said. "There is a huge aura about the stadium which is just amazing.
Spectacular
"Back home the Challenge Cup is much bigger than Super League. It is promoted over there and is on live.
"It is a big thing and I always used to get up and watch the games.
"It will be a great experience. I played in front of 12,500 in the St Helens semi-final and that was one of the biggest experiences of my life.
"It was absolutely spectacular so I can only imagine what 80,000 or 90,000 will be like.
"Should we get a good result, it would be one of the highest achievements of my career.
"I came here to play some big games. I already have a couple under my belt, which is excellent, but I'm really excited about this."
Huddersfield have the most miserly defensive record in the Super League this season and Hodgson paid tribute to the pack.
"I wouldn't want to be playing behind any other pack," he added. "Some of the guys up front are brilliant.
Superb
"Keith Mason has been relatively unheralded but is our best forward this year. Eorl Crabtree provides the impact but it is Keith that leads the way up front early.
"Scott Moore has been superb, Darrell Griffin has gone up another level and our back rowers have been superb.
"Across the board they have done a wonderful job.
"But, as a squad every time we put out 17 men there is always someone who puts something in to benefit the side.
"That is the key to our success, it is not individuals. It is everyone getting out there and doing their little bit."
