NRL 2023: Josh Hodgson looks ripped in Parramatta Eels training photo

Eels star Josh Hodgson has shrugged off the backlash from fans over the image of him looking like the Incredible Hulk in pre-season training.

The famous rookie was training with teammates last week when a team member snapped a photo of the 33-year-old in the best shape of his life.

A photo posted on the club’s social media caused quite a stir among the fans, many were amazed by the sudden growth of muscles around his biceps.

The Englishman now said Sydney Morning Herald he also fails to explain the size of his weapon in the image.

“I swear they must have photoshopped my hands because they don’t look like that,” Hodgson said.

“I said the same to my wife [Kirby]. I told her, “I bet you want it to be the guy that comes to your house every night.” It was probably the best camera angle they could get.”

He joked that his teammate Ryan Matterson still holds the title of best equipment at the club.

“Matto” is a special offer to remove the equipment at the end of the session, when the cameras start rolling. He’s a good guy and he has nothing to worry about,” he said.

Many fans on Twitter and Instagram seemed to think the photo showed that Hodgson was actually supposed to be the head dog.

One fan on Twitter responded to the Eels with a photo of a prostitute in training with the Raiders in 2021, where his arms look like spaghetti compared to his new weapons.

In 2023, Hodgson will become the Eels’ most important player, replacing No. 1 star Reed Mahoney.

Returning from a third long knee injury, Hodgson’s health and fitness will be one of the most important factors in the team’s success in the 2023 campaign.

Hodgson resumed full training in December after the former Canberra prostitute missed much of last season with an ACL injury.

Hodgson challenged Cameron Smith for the title of the world’s No. 1 player. 9 before he has a knee problem and the Eels are betting big on his fitness and the partnerships he could forge with playmakers Dylan Brown and Mitch Moses.

Originally published as Parramatta Eels rookie wows fans with huge new look