The Raiders paid a handsome transfer fee for his services, but England international Josh Hodgson is under no illusions he will not have to fight for the starting hooker's job at his new club.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Hodgson is the latest Englishman to have a crack in the NRL after the enormous success enjoyed by the likes of the Burgess brothers, James Graham and Sam Tomkins.
The 25-year-old dummy-half made his debut for his country at last season's Four Nations tournament and captained Hull KR in the Super League.
He still had two years on his contract with Hull KR before the Raiders secured his release and signed him until the end of 2016.
Dummy-half has been a problem position for the Raiders since the retirement of former captain Simon Woolford.
Hodgson will be competing with Glen Buttriss, utility Josh McCrone and Kurt Baptise.
"Hopefully I [get the No.9 jersey] but I have no preconceived notions that I'm going to get the No.9 shirt," Hodgson said.
"That's something that's not going to happen unless I work hard.
"We've got some great hookers here and we've got great competition for places."
Hodgson is keen to make a strong impression at the Raiders.
He is the first to admit he got off on the wrong foot when a video of him crashing through a door in Dunedin last year went viral on social media.
"As all good teammates do, the Raiders players made a joke out of it and I got a ribbing for a bit," Hodgson said.
"They know everyone makes mistakes and they were opening doors for me and things like that.
"It broke the ice. It's a tight-knit bunch and it's a community club and they make it like a family."
Hodgson was left out of the Raiders' squad for the Auckland Nines and last weekend's first trial against Melbourne, but is expected to debut in the pre-season game against Newcastle at Seiffert Oval on February 21.
It will be his first chance to show he can compete in the NRL after being one of the stars of the Super League.
He believes the success of his countrymen in the NRL shows that the Super League has often been underrated.
"I think sometimes people don't realise the quality that there is in England," Hodgson said.
"I wouldn't say there's the same strength in depth as what there is in Australia, but there's definitely the quality.
"They've flown the flag really well for England and been a success over here, and hopefully they will continue to be a success."
While the hot Australian summer may not be to Hodgson's liking, he is excited at the prospect of playing behind a monster Raiders forward pack.
Sydney Roosters premiership winner Frank-Paul Nuuausala and St Helens recruit Sia Soliola join David Shillington, Dane Tilse, Paul Vaughan and Shannon Boyd.
"We've got competition for places, which is the first thing I like from a pack," Hodgson said.
"You've got people like Shannon Boyd, who is a massively built person, it's just ridiculous, but even the boys who aren't as big are still tough.
"We've definitely got a good pack."
