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Hodgson MAY be retarding the development of Hardwick (22yo) and Koteka (22yo) but I'd suggest his influence and mentoring have done a lot more to ASSIST the development of these two young players and hopefully will continue to do so. In reality it was Alcock who limited Richard and Kane's game time.
Hodgson was the top tackler in SR2016 up until the time he was injured. He averaged 15 tackles per game. Sam Cane (12/game) and Ardie Savea (11/game) ended up in front only by playing more games.
Hodgson averaged 37 Total Ruck Involvements (27 Attack/10 Defence) (same as Gill and more than Pocock) and 1.2TOW per game. His numbers in SR2015 were very much the same.
We can expect Hodgson to play less in 2017 while still transitioning another player as Captain and Koteka/Hardwick into the OSF position. The numbers suggest that it is more likely to be Koteka.
Richard Hardwick averaged 32T (26A/6D) and 5 tackles/game in SR2016. Kane had little game time due to injury at the wrong time. Both were behind Chris Alcock after Hodgson's shoulder injury. Hardwick is the better ball carrier - he's likely to get more time at 6 or 8.
For the past 2 seasons the pecking order for the OSF position has clearly been:
1 Hodgson
2 Alcock
3 Koteka
4 Hardwick
In the NRC Hardwick (232 mins) has averaged only 23T (16A/7D) and Koteka (204 mins) 35T (26A/7D).
Are you seriously suggesting that the Force should have dumped Hodgson when his form has been amongst the best in SR just to make space for players who have to earn their position with better performances/work rate?
With Alcock now gone, the opportunity will be for Koteka and Hardwick to really show what they can do in 2017.