See Hodge's monster kick HERE: Video: Hodge's ridiculous long-range kick
The Manly Marlins centre signed a two-year deal on Tuesday on the back of publicity generated by Sportal's article on his extraordinary kicking ability.
Hodge potted a 75m goal at training while teammate Sam Lane videoed it before uploading it to Instagram.
“It definitely gave me a bit of publicity - the Rebels originally saw my video on my Instagram account, but the Sportal share definitely projected the publicity further,” Hodge said.
“More people noticed and commented and brought it up. There was a fair bit of publicity around Manly with others who had seen the video.”
Possessing not only a huge right foot but monstrous talent, Hodge has been a regular first-grader since making his debut for the Marlins last year, as well as representing Australia at Schoolboys and U20’s level.
Before a horror run with injury stretching over 2013-2014, the then nineteen year-old had fielded offers from a host of prestigious Rugby clubs, including French powerhouse Toulon.
Hodge now has his sights set on a Melbourne Rebels debut, and the challenges that the future holds.
“I was pretty impressed with all the facilities down there and the coaches really impressed me, as did the culture and the direction the club’s going in,” Hodge said.
Hodge had been offered a one-year extended playing squad role in Canberra but the Rebels deal was one he couldn’t refuse.
“Canberra wasn’t guaranteed, there was more opportunity to get more game time down in Melbourne and it was two years so there was more job security,” he said.
“I’ll finish with the Marlins and hopefully we can finish our last two weeks and win the premiership.
“I’m playing for the (North Harbour) Rays so I don’t fly down to Melbourne until about October but nothing is set in stone yet. “
Hodge’s contract with the Rebels is made all the sweeter after the arduous journey of injury and adversity he faced along the way, and no one enjoyed it more than his father, Graeme.
“I think his phone’s going off just as much as mine is, he’s pretty happy with everyone calling him and getting a bit of attention for once the big fella,” he said.