The St George Illawarra Dragons have signed rising five-eighth Eden Hodges to a two-year contract extension.
Hodges won the NSWRL Jersey Flegg Cup Player of the Year Award and the club’s Jersey Flegg Player of the Year in 2026, after an outstanding season at Under 21s level. He will train with the NRL squad this coming pre-season.
“I’m grateful to have extended my time here with the Dragons,” Hodges said.
“I played my juniors here and have come through the pathways at the club. I really enjoyed my footy this year and have built many great relationships with the people here. I’m looking forward to getting back into preseason training and preparing for a big year.”
Head Coach Dean Young credited Hodges for his impressive season and looks forward to his continued development.
“Eden has earned the right to train with the NRL squad through his performances in Jersey Flegg,” Young said.
“Providing local juniors a pathway is our purpose at the Dragons.”
A Shellharbour junior, Hodges came through the Dragons Academy and played SG Ball with the Illawarra Steelers in 2024.
He made his Jersey Flegg debut in 2025 and grew into one of the side’s leaders over the past season.
In 18 outings this season, Hodges scored 15 tries and assisted on 20 others, helping lead the Red V’s minor premiership charge, while also making a Knock-On Effect NSW Cup debut in Round 8.
