Imagine a young rugby talent, once part of a prestigious academy, now on the brink of a career-defining opportunity. But here's where it gets intriguing: Jeylan Hodgson, a 20-year-old hooker with a rugby pedigree, is stepping into the spotlight after being invited to train full-time with Hull KR during their pre-season. This move comes just as his current club, the Goole Vikings, prepare to kick off their Championship campaign against the Keighley Cougars—without their star player.
Jeylan’s journey is anything but ordinary. As the brother of Leigh Leopards’ Bailey Hodgson and the nephew of former KR legend Josh Hodgson, rugby runs deep in his family. After a stint living in Australia as a youngster, he joined the Hull FC academy in 2023. However, despite his potential, he departed the Black and Whites at the end of the 2024 season without making a single first-team appearance. It was then that he signed with Scott Taylor’s Goole Vikings, marking the beginning of his professional career.
During his first season with Goole, Jeylan made 13 appearances and scored three tries, showcasing enough talent to catch the eye of Hull KR. And this is the part most people miss: His trial with the Robins isn’t just a fleeting opportunity—it’s a full-time commitment that has seen him train with the squad throughout the winter and even join them in Tenerife for their pre-season preparations.
Whether Hull KR will offer him a permanent spot remains to be seen, but Scott Taylor, Goole’s coach, has confirmed Jeylan’s dedication. In a recent interview with Serious About Rugby League, Taylor shared, ‘Jeylan has been on trial with Hull KR, training full-time with them and he’s in Tenerife with them now. We’ll see what happens with him.’ He added, ‘If he gets an opportunity to stay there and they want to keep him, I’ll be over the moon for him.’
Here’s where it gets controversial: While Taylor is supportive of Jeylan’s potential move, he also reflects on his role in developing players like Jeylan and Joe Phillips, who previously moved to Hull. ‘When I took this job, I wanted to help players reach their best,’ Taylor explained. ‘If Jeylan needs game time this year, I’m here for him, but whether he signs for KR is up to them.’
This situation raises a thought-provoking question: How often do young talents like Jeylan get a second chance to prove themselves at a higher level? And what does this say about the role of smaller clubs in nurturing future stars? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think Jeylan will secure a spot with Hull KR, or will he return to Goole? Either way, his journey is one to watch. For more insights, check out the latest episode of The Serious About Rugby League Show on YouTube.
