Josh Hodgson has signed a long-term deal with the Canberra Raiders and says he wouldn't have done it if he didn't believe the club was capable of achieving "great things".
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Hodgson has inked a four-year extension on top of his current deal, which will keep him in Canberra until the end of the 2022 season.
Hodgson's prized signature is a welcome relief for the Green Machine as they look to climb back into premiership contention, officially putting an end to speculation he would head elsewhere.
Hodgson is preparing for a blockbuster World Cup semi-final with England but has already told Fairfax Media Canberra is starting to "feel like home".
"There's no way I'd sign long term if I didn't believe this group of players were able to achieve great things, so a big part of the decision was staying at a club who I believe will have long-term success," Hodgson said.
"We know our results last season were not acceptable and I know the group is already back in Canberra working hard to make sure things are better in 2018 and beyond that.
"I'm really enjoying the World Cup experience and hopefully we can continue through the tournament, but I'm also looking forward to getting home and working with the rest of the squad as we get ready for next season."
The England rake is one game away from a World Cup final with a clash against Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium looming on Saturday.
The 28-year-old has said he was slow to find his feet in Canberra but he has been a revelation in lime green since arriving in 2015.
Hodgson is now an Australian citizen, and married to wife Kirby with one-year-old son George keeping them on their toes around the house.
Hodgson wants to stay in Canberra long after he retires from football, which won't be for a while yet thanks to his latest deal.
"Canberra's been a home away from home for us and I know my wife Kirby and I have really enjoyed our time here and want this to be our home for the next few years as we raise our family," Hodgson said.
"The club was fantastic in helping us make the transition from England to Australia, and so far, we've been able to make some wonderful friends and settle into the community.
"The players were fantastic from the moment we arrived and the current group is a wonderful bunch of blokes who I believe have their best footy ahead of them."
Hodgson's relationship with Raiders coach Ricky Stuart also played a key role in his decision. He lauded the club legend for his approach to the game.
"Ricky's been great for my career and we're able to learn from each other which is important for a senior player and coach," Hodgson said.
"We've worked really hard at finding the right balance between the coaching staff and players and this will only improve as we spend more time working together."
Rarely have the Raiders signed players to long-term contracts but Raiders chief executive Don Furner says Hodgson's impact around the club make it a no-brainer.
"It's the longest contract we've done for some time and it reflects our faith that we have in Josh of being a leader of this group and how committed to the Raiders he is," Furner said.
"Josh moved to Canberra with his wife and then started a family here, so it's also a great endorsement for our club and city to have him commit long term.
"From a football perspective Josh brings experience, leadership and professionalism to the team and he's demonstrated over the past three seasons how valuable he is to our organisation."
