Plovers journeyman hopes bigger is better

DANIEL Hodgson will throw himself head-first into the Victorian Rugby Union contest between Warrnambool Plovers and Melbourne University today at Brauerander Park. It's his role.The Plovers' mid-season recruit is a hooker, which places him in the middle of the front row.It will be a key role this afternoon as Warrnambool's forward pack appears to have a physical edge over the visitors.If the bigger Plovers forwards make an impact, it could build a foundation for the team's first division-two win of the season. Hodgson moved to Warrnambool in early June after a transfer with the Department of Primary Industries.Yesterday he said the Plovers were building up to a win ahead of their round-15 home fixture with Powerhouse.Powerhouse forfeited, robbing Warrnambool of its opportunity and its playing momentum."That was really disappointing," Hodgson said. "I really was gutted by that."It makes it tough when you have really winnable games and teams forfeit."After growing up in regional and metropolitan club environments in his native New Zealand, Hodgson also played briefly in Denmark. He then moved to Australia in 2008 after securing his position as a DPI lamb industry development officer.In the space of 18 months he played for Bendigo, the Orange Emus and Warrnambool Plovers.His latest club is a long way from the centre of the rugby union universe but there is a common thread which comforts the Plovers' new team member."No matter where you go, rugby players are all the same," Hodgson said."That's why I play sport, especially when you are new to an area. "The club has been very welcoming. "They're a good bunch of guys . . . easygoing and easy to get along with."Hodgson, 24, grew up on a farm at Waingaro on New Zealand's north island.He played junior rugby with Ngaruawahia, then Sacred Heart, Auckland, before representing Lincoln University where he studied agricultural commerce.His university experience included a season in Christchurch's premier club competition.It didn't show in Hodgson's debut game for Warrnambool against Eltham in round eight.After sleeping on the bus journey to Melbourne he was still a little foggy on the field."I tripped over and landed on the ball, winding myself," he laughed."I only played half a game and my fitness was pretty terrible."Hodgson was still recovering from quadriceps surgery but said he had regained about 70 per cent fitness.Admission is free for today's game, which will begin at 3pm.