in most sports he has taken part in, particularly rugby

league.

And it is the 13-man code that seems to have won him over despite talent in cricket, swimming and golf.

Recently Hodge was selected in the NSW Country under 18s team along with Cowra teammate Rory Brien.

Hodge and Brien played in the curtain-raiser to the City-Country clash at WIN Stadium, representing the

Western Rams in the final of the country championships.

They went down to the Oxley Pioneers in the decider, but the Cowra duo did enough to impress selectors to make the state side.

“I want to go as far as I possibly can with my footy,”

the speedy outside back said.

“It was great playing on a big ground like WIN Stadium, before a big match (City-Country).”

Hodge will join the 17-man squad in Queensland shortly.

“It’s good having a close mate there (in Rory), I’m also pretty good mates with the other boys from Western

in the country side, so it helps,” Hodge said when asked what it’s like having team-mate Brien with him in the team.

Hodge will represent Greater Western in the NSW Combined High Schools rugby league championships at Casino next week.

Hodge has also enjoyed representing at high levels in other sports.

Last summer he helped the Cowra under 16s cricket team to their second Lachlan Council title in a row scoring 21 with the bat and taking 4-28 with the ball in the grand final against Condobolin.

“It’s good playing different sports. It breaks them up

a little bit,” he said.

Hodge has also swum at a high level and can also

swing a golf stick very well.

But rugby league, capturing his attention now, seems

to be the dream.