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In Hodgson Sharks trust

19/12/2007

CHARLIE Hodgson will be Sharks’ not so secret weapon for their tough clash against Leicester Tigers at Edgeley Park on Sunday.

The statistics from the season so far show flyhalf Hodgson, who turned 27 last month, as one of the most effective players in the Guinness Premiership at present. He boasts the highest number of kicks from hand (118) and tops the drop-goal count, with five converted.

He has also provided the final assist for five of Sharks’ 15 league tries this season, a figure only bettered by Harlequins’ Chris Malone (7).

Hodgson’s tactics have contributed to sixth-placed Sharks making more metres than any other team in the league.

On Sunday Hodgson, who has played all 540 minutes of Guinness Premiership rugby so far this season, will face a tough test against Leicester’s Andy Goode, whose side are currently fourth in the league table, with two points more than Sharks.

Sale’s head coach Kingsley Jones wasn’t surprised by Hodgson’s favourable standing in the Opta statistics.

He said: “I’m a bit of an anorak [when it comes to statistics] but I don’t need stats to tell me how good Charlie is. He’s outstanding.”

Hodgson missed most of last season due to a knee injury making the apparent ease with which he has returned to form even more remarkable.

Sharks’ unbeaten home record this season will be put on the line against Tigers, who beat Sale 32-8 in the EDF Energy Cup at Welford Road.

Jones added: “I think it will be difficult everywhere, there will be great matches all over the park. But I know who I’d rather have at flyhalf - Charlie.”