The Canberra Raiders have given star hooker Josh Hodgson permission to explore his options, with the Wests Tigers circling the England international.
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Hodgson's management approached the Raiders late last week for consent to look around.
He's now reportedly been offered a two-year deal with the Tigers, who need to negotiate his release from the Green Machine.
The 31-year-old's contracted to Canberra for next season, but wasn't going to be offered a new deal beyond that.
Hodgson's highly regarded within the Raiders walls and there's a feeling his quality and leadership would be a perfect fit for the struggling Tigers.
While it's far from a done deal, there's a feeling the move could be resolved quickly provided the Tigers can come to an agreement with Canberra's hierarchy.
His departure would continue the refresh of the Raiders forward pack following the departures of Sia Soliola (retired), Dunamis Lui (uncontracted), Siliva Havili (South Sydney) and Ryan James (Brisbane Broncos).
The Raiders have just extended and upgraded Tom Starling's contract until the end of 2023, with a mutual option for '24, in a sign he was seen as their long-term option at dummy half.
It came as the Raiders landed Gold Coast halfback Jamal Fogarty to replace the loss of George Williams, who returned to England due to homesickness halfway through the season.
It would see the Raiders have a new-looking spine next year with Fogarty joining five-eighth Jack Wighton in the halves and a fully fit Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad at fullback after missing most of the 2021 campaign due to a serious neck injury.
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Aside from Starling, Canberra has young No.9 Adam Trevilyan on their books and would have three spots on their roster to fill if Hodgson was to leave.
The Raiders have been offered former Titans hooker Mitch Rein, who's without a contract for next year but has been linked with the Parramatta Eels.
Starling's emergence would potentially see Hodgson drop down the hooker pecking order in the capital.
The England international's played 137 NRL games since joining the Raiders ahead of the 2015 NRL season.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart used him as the starting No.9 before shifting him to lock and bringing Starling off the bench.
Hodgson stepped down from the Raiders co-captaincy midway through the 2021 season after he'd been dropped from the starting side.
He also spoke out in support of Williams, who was looking for a release to return home.
Some saw it as an attack on the club, but Hodgson said he was just sticking up for his mate.
His release, after seven seasons in the capital, would open up some salary cap space as well as an extra spot on the Raiders' 2022 roster.