Friday Interview: Ryan Hall and Brett Hodgson

However, whether they will come face-to-face at the same Headingley Carnegie venue in a fortnight’s time is another matter.

It is the poser facing all of the game’s top players.

The eagerly-anticipated inaugural International Origin match is looming large on June 10 and it is the fixture in which everyone wants to be involved.

Only a chosen few will earn the opportunity and time is running out – for both English talent hoping to impress national boss Steve McNamara, and those Super League-based Australians and Kiwis who will make up the Exiles opposition.

For Leeds, England winger Ryan Hall is as prolific as ever and looking to secure his spot.

Meanwhile, Warrington’s Exiles hopeful Brett Hodgson, the New South Wales full-back who is a veteran of those famous State of Origin battles that inspired this contest, is bidding to force Brian McClennan’s hand.

Everyone is keen to play their part in what should be an historic encounter.

Wednesday’s typically enthralling first match of the Queensland v New South Wales series has only served to whet the appetite even further.

Dave Craven: First of all Brett, did (Warrington coach) Tony (Smith) give you time off to watch that Origin game and do you miss it all?

Brett Hodgson: I saw it late as we were training but it is just the best type of footy – so much quicker than everything else.

It’s given me great memories over the years but I’m happy here in England.

Ryan Hall: It is a great spectacle. The Aussies came up with the concept quite a few years ago of just two states playing and, like Brett says, the best games get brought out in those three matches every year.

I know we tried it over here with Yorkshire v Lancashire but it didn’t really kick-off.

Hopefully, everyone will buy into this concept of England v the Exiles instead.

It should be a quality game and, no insults to France, but playing them and winning 60-odd to nothing every June was not doing much for us.

It’s showing in our results against Australia and New Zealand at the end of the year, but we’re spending a bit more time together as a team now and we’re getting there. This will help.

DC: It is the first time you will have experienced ‘mate against mate’ Ryan. Has (Leeds team-mate) Kylie Leuluai said anything about coming to look for you in the Origin match?

RH: There’s not been too much said just yet but I’m sure, as happens in Australia, all bets are off once we all step out on to the field.

BH: We don’t even know if we’re playing or not yet!

I’m excited but once the build-up week progresses and we found out if we are chosen then thoughts will come rushing in about who we’re playing against, club-mates and all.

DC: What are your best memories from playing Origin with NSW?

BH: Actually going into camp and meeting new people is one of the best bits, all the build-up as you try doing things away from footy but at the same time things that will bring you all closer together.

But I’ve played alongside some great players. ‘Joey’ Johns was simply the best in the game – he could tackle, kick, set up tries, save tries – just a complete footballer.

He seemed to have more time than anyone else to create and win matches.

But guys like (Danny) Buderus also made him look good because he gave him such good service.

To hopefully play with Buderus again in this match at Headingley will be wonderful.

You always strive to play representative footy and obviously moving over here, first with Huddersfield a couple of years ago, means I haven’t had the chance recently.

The concept is a few years late in coming but now it is here it’s great. I’ve played with Craig Fitzgibbon, Steve Menzies and Mark O’Meley as well for State and they’re all in contention here too.

DC: But first up comes Friday’s game and Brent Webb, your rival for an Exiles spot Brett, is back for Leeds. Is it important to have a big game against him?

BH: I’ve not thought about that. It’s just important as a club we continue playing to our potential against a side that has won six in a row. Leeds are one of the best sides in Super League regardless of injury and who they’ve got coming back.

All those representative things come secondary. Our focus now is Friday’s game.

This time of year is when some sides kick on and others fall out of the eight finding it tough.

I’m excited about the potential we have for this season though.

It took me a good few weeks to get used to my role in the side when I joined from Huddersfield but I’m very happy with what ‘s progressed and we’re in a good position.

DC: Can you topple the leaders Ryan?

RH: The last time we played them at their place we felt a bit bitter. We lost (40-18) and were embarrassed again.

We didn’t want to mention the Challenge Cup final this season but Warrington have done us twice in a row now in a way that leans towards them quite heavily.

We want to set the record straight and put a mark down to get our name going forward again.

We’ve been talking about late surges and building up to the play-offs but we’ve not beaten a top four side yet which is unusual for us – we normally stand out in those fixtures and don’t get points against the lower teams.

So, we need to now beat these sides like Warrington.

DC: Ryan, it must be strange not having Keith Senior alongside you after a knee injury ruled him out for the season?

RH: In 17 seasons I think he’s only missed about 20 games which is just unbelievable for someone who is now 35.

I know Jamie Peacock says he only plays in the centre so he doesn’t get hurt that much but Keith has been phenomenal.

He’s not used to being in this place now but we’ll all help him through. He’s certainly directed my career – apart from my first season I have always played outside him – but I’ll just have to kick on and take it in my own hands now.

DC: And soon it will be Origin. Do you think it can work in England?

BH: I think it is going to be a success and something the game needs to continue.

It’s going to be close; it won’t be a blow-out for either.

England have got a really strong squad and will be confident of playing well.

I know the Exiles boys can’t wait. I just hope I get in!