HULL KR hooker Josh Hodgson is hoping Craig Sandercock signs the new deal offered to him as he says the coach will help continue his development as a player.
Hodgson's all-round game has blossomed since Sandercock arrived at MS3 Craven Park ahead of the start of last season.
This year, Hodgson continues to improve and has adapted to splitting his play between hooker and the back row.
Hodgson, who has forced his way onto the England Knights scene in the last two years, says he has benefited from the one-to-one advice Sandercock brings, and says he has always found him a very clear communicator to players.
"I want Craig to stay on, he's a great coach and a great bloke to have around the place," Hodgson told the Mail.
"He knows his stuff, and Craig is really good in one-on-ones with the players.
"He tells me what he wants from me every week.
"That's one of his big strengths and whatever he tells me to do I'll do it to the best of my ability.
"Craig and Chris Chester have brought my game on leaps and bounds.
"You can also see the improvement in the other players under Craig too."
Hodgson admits switching from one position to another during games – a ploy used by Sandercock on a number of occasions this season – can be difficult.
It means he has to adapt his game, and play more minutes for the sake of the side.
But he says he is happy knowing he is playing an important role for his coach and team-mates, as his versatility can help others around him, in particular the Robins' pack, stay fresher for the latter stages of games.
"Sometimes it can be easy to change from one position to another, but in other games it isn't," Hodgson said.
"But if it means we can get an extra two interchanges out of me staying on the pitch longer, then that's good.
"It's going to save energy for the bigger blokes in the middle, and I don't know if that is why we are better defensively lately.
"It helps if they can afford to leave me on rather than use an extra change to take me off and put on another front rower.
"That will help the team by having an extra change available at the back end of the game when the bigger blokes might be struggling."
Hodgson's contribution to the KR cause has been highlighted in the past two games against Hull and Bradford, when he has made 80 tackles and 203 metres from 19 carries.
However, he has missed out on being called up to the England squad for the Exiles game next weekend, having forced his way to the fringes with an 18th man call up for the full international squad last season.
Hodgson had aimed at a World Cup spot at the start of the campaign, and despite being one of Rovers stand- out performers this season, says he was never expecting the call.
"I don't think I've been at my best at the minute so I wasn't expecting anything with England," he said.
"I may have played a lot but I'm still 23 and have a lot to learn."
