'It's surreal' - Noah Hodkinson savours Wigan Warriors debut as hard work pays off for academy graduate
Noah Hodkinson became the latest academy graduate to make his first-team debut for Wigan Warriors on Friday night, with years of hard work paying off for the 20-year-old.
Hodkinson, who was born in Bolton and raised in Leigh, was given the nod at fullback with Jai Field (appendix) and Bevan French (hamstring) sidelined, helping the Warriors book their place in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals thanks to a 30-6 win over Bradford Bulls on home soil.
"It’s a bit surreal really,” Hodkinson told Wigan Today.
"When you see your mum and dad come in, and they’re giving you your shirt, it’s like everything you’ve worked for has paid off. You’re still a bit nervous, but all the lads make you feel comfortable, and the nerves disappear really, and you are then ready to go out and warm up.
"Matty (Peet) mentioned my debut when we landed as we were getting on the coach from London back to Manchester last week. He said I’d be playing, so I was excited all week. I was nervous, but I was excited more than anything.
"I get the same amount of nerves for every game, no matter who I’m playing for, but the day before the game, I was pretty nervous, but when I woke on the day of the game, I was fine, I was just excited to get out there.
"My mum brought loads of people for my debut! I had a few mates from school there too, and all my family was there as well, so it was good, I really enjoyed it.”
Hodkinson, who played his junior rugby for Hindley ARLFC and Leigh Miners Rangers before progressing through Wigan’s renowned youth system, has just entered his second season as a full-time professional with the first-team, and who better for him to learn from than Field?
"Jai helps me out a lot,” Hodkinson said. “If I’ve ever got a question or anything I’m unsure about, I know I can ask Jai.
"At half-time, if he sees something from above, he comes down to tell me how I can do my role a bit easier and a bit better. He’s obviously been unwell recently, but he’s been helping me out, giving me little pointers, so he is helping me out all the time, which I’m grateful for.”