Brett Hodgson: Widnes assistant to leave to join Wests Tigers coaching staff

Brett Hodgson made six appearances for New South Wales as a player

Widnes Vikings assistant coach Brett Hodgson will leave the club at the end of the 2017 season to join National Rugby League (NRL) side Wests Tigers as their assistant head coach.

The 39-year-old played 102 NRL games for the Tigers between 2004 and 2008, helping them win the 2005 Premiership.

"It's a good fit for him as a bloke and it's the right thing to do," head coach Denis Betts told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"He's done a fantastic job here and it's been an honour working with him."

Meanwhile, Betts confirmed hooker Aaron Heremaia could be out for the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury in their defeat by Wakefield.

"It's a real blow for us. He's hit his knee which is probably a 10 to 12-week injury which is not good for us as he's one of the leaders and strong members of our group," he said.