HOD'S GIFT

Former Leeds United academy kid Bailey tried his hand in the NRL and now loves life at Leigh

- BY DAVE CRAVEN RL Correspondent X@DCravenRL

HE started out on Leeds United's books and moved to the NRL aged just 18 - but Bailey Hodgson is now striving to make it big with Leigh.

The talented full-back is enjoying some of his best form yet since returning from Down Under last July.

He excelled in Leigh's Magic Weekend win over Catalans and hopes to have done enough to keep a spot in Adrian Lam's squad for Sunday's Challenge Cup semi-final against Warrington.

The exciting Hull-born player, now 22, has had an unusual career path.

He started out with Castleford but joined Newcastle Knights on a three-year deal, never played an NRL game and was also restricted to reserve-grade while at Manly for a season (in action, bottom right).