The 2020 All Blacks' four-Test spectacle revealed a player who lives in the present, and for Liam Hodgman, the future is exactly that – the future.
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At 30, Hodgman brings intrigue to the Australian rugby scene, having signed a two-year contract to play for the Queensland Reds in Super Rugby Pacific.
Despite being a Kiwi through and through, with his father Geoff hailing from Australia and Fiji, and his mother Lucia being Samoan, Hodgman finds himself with a unique opportunity for a second shot at an international career. His Fijian roots fueled his support for the island nation during one of the World Cup's most memorable upsets in September, just a month after committing to the Reds.
In his debut media appearance as a Red, Hodgman impressed with thoughtful answers, avoiding any hint of overconfidence about seamlessly transitioning to the Wallabies.
Reflecting on his past experiences, he shared, "I’ve actually experienced this before with the All Blacks. When I was trying too hard to try to become an All Black, I started doing things out of character. So for me, I just want to be a great Reds man and from there, whatever opportunities come my way, I’ll take."
He humorously added, "Dad is all over the show, eh. When we were watching the games (of the World Cup), we didn’t know who we were going for. It was nice just being a spectator and enjoying it all. We were definitely rooting for Fiji at the World Cup. It was so cool to see."
After a lengthy career in New Zealand rugby with the Crusaders, Blues, and National Provincial Championship teams, Hodgman sought the change and challenge of embracing a completely new environment.