I had an awesome time today, catching up with Alex Hodgman. Hailing from a land called New Zealand, he is one of the great new recruits that has joined the squad in 2024!
Alex played in both of the Reds pre-season game and is looking forward to his team kicking off at Suncorp Stadium against the Waratahs on Saturday 24th February!
I hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed chatting with him!
Hey Alex! Thanks for taking the time to chat with me this week. Very excited to have you apart of the reds! What has encouraged the move to Australia?
First of all, thanks for having me Tom, it’s awesome to be here chatting with you brother. For me the move was just a new opportunity. I also have family that live here, so for me it’s just… come to the Reds, try something new and be with my loved ones.
What are some key differences in training, coming from New Zealand to Australia?
The key difference is obviously the heat, it’s a major factor. It’s playing a main factor in pre season training, I couldn’t even think it was that hot. I was just sweating and there was one session that I lost 7kgs of fluid. For me it took a while to get use to, but once I did… nah I haven’t even got used to it (laughter). That’s probably the main one.
What have been some of your favourite things since being a part of the Queensland Reds this year?
I think mainly for me it has been the boys, they’re so welcoming and really easy going. I thought it’d be a lot harder trying to fit in, but they’ve made it a real easy transition for me. To be honest, I’m actually really grateful that I’ve got such a cool group around me. I can just be myself.
What have been some of your career highlights so far, in rugby?
That’s a tough one. For me it’s probably playing for the All Blacks, making my debut in Auckland at Eden Park, sold out in front of my family. That is one of the biggest highlights of my career. But also, I think another highlight would actually just be putting on that Reds jersey in our first pre-season against the Force. It felt like a new chapter in my life and it was cool because my family were out on that hill over there [points towards the XXXX hill at Ballymore Stadium] and the were rolling up and down the whole time I was playing. That was probably the next highlight of my rugby career
Post trial games, how do you feel heading into this Super Rugby season?
I think I’ve prepped well, I’ve had a really good pre season here. I feel the more games you have under your belt, the better you feel leading into it. I’m feeling pretty confident, but obviously the Waratahs always step up, so I’ve just gotta enjoy the challenge and just enjoy the moment too.
What was running through your mind during the scrum battle in the 2nd half of the ‘Tahs trial game?
(Laughs) Dude! I thought we actually had the upper hand! It was frustrating because I think it was the 3rd scrum where we pumped and I thought to myself ‘yeah surely we’ve got the penalty’, but when I came up the ref had his hand going the other way I was so [vocalises disappointment]. I actually love that stuff cause it’s like an opportunity to assert dominance on another pack and when you do it, you just feel like all of your training has come to this moment and now you gotta execute, that’s what I was feeling!
Are you excited to be playing against your old team the Blues?
Yeah! I’ve been thinking about it for a whole year. As soon as I signed to the Reds I just couldn’t stop thinking about how I can’t wait for that game. It’s crazy man, I’ve actually watched so much footage of my old games with the Blues, and things that I did in the past and things that the team did. Obviously new coaches means different systems, but I just can’t wait to play my mates again.
Who in the team would you spot light for training well and playing hard?
Ooooooh. Besides myself… (laughter). I love the way Harry Wilson plays, he’s just a big human, a big ball carrier and he trains funny (more laughter), he’s pretty crack-up. I just love the way he ball carries.
Thank you for taking the time to chat today. My last question is what is your go to post training meal?
I’m a real tuna and pasta guy. Tuna, penne pasta, sweet chilli, mayonnaise and cheese. !t’s not the healthiest, but it helps me stay sane!
I also want to say man, thanks for having me. I’ve really enjoyed this time. Can I ask you a question? How long have you been interviewing and doing your blog for?
That’s a great question thank you, I’ve been doing my blog and interviews since 2017.
Man. That’s awesome man! I hope you keep doing it and keep progressing. Keep doing your thing Tom, that’s awesome.
The Reds 2024 season officially kicks off at Suncorp Stadium against the Waratahs on Saturday 24th February!
