Hodgson ready for fast Force
Captain Matt Hodgson is no stranger to the high intensity, physical, team and game knowledge demands of a pre-season campaign, as he embarks on his 14th pre-season.
"It's hard but exciting, every preseason is different. I've gone through a lot of different ones and this one again is different as we take on a different feel with a new game style.
"As I get older I'm enjoying time with the younger boys and telling them about my experiences, so they aren't shocked by the moment and can actually enjoy it. We need to enjoy it, it's a tough slog but we are in it together and we will enjoy it together," Hodgson said.
Head coach, Michael Foley has spoken extensively about the team's focus on playing a more up-tempo and expansive brand in 2016 and the Force skipper says it's been a clear emphasis from the outset.
"We were lucky to do a 12-week off-season block with a skills group before coming back into pre-season, but even in the week's worth of training we've had so far, we have definitely trained at a higher tempo than what we have before.
"We are training at a high pace and making sure we can execute our skills at maximum speed. We need to be attacking before the defence is set and be prepared to play what's in front of us," he added.
The 120-cap veteran says the team is excited about the new approach heading into the new season.
"The way we want to play is a bit different to what we are used to. We are really looking to play with speed and width, use the whole field, identifying gaps and playing to those opportunities. The boys are excited to use those attacking instincts," he stated.
While the Force managed just three four-try bonus points in 2015, Hodgson is confident the injection of experienced backline recruits Peter Grant, Jono Lance and Ben Tapuai will help provide their backline with try-scoring threats next season.
"The additions we have made in our backline have been great and our backline is really working as a unit. Established guys like Kyle Godwin, Dane Haylett-Petty and Luke Morahan are really excited about the new style because they are getting more touches and in areas of the field that gives them one-on-one opportunities," Hodgson said.
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