Aviva Premiership
Hodgson pens long-term Falcons deal
ESPNscrum Staff
April 12, 2011
Newcastle's Joel Hodgson gets the ball away, Exeter v Newcastle, Amlin Challenge Cup, Sandy Park, Exeter, England, December 11, 2010
Joel Hodgson has signed a new deal with Newcastle © Getty Images
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Teenage fly-half Joel Hodgson has penned a long-term deal with Newcastle Falcons.

The 18-year-old playmaker, a product of the club's academy, made his debut as a replacement in a 22-16 Amlin Challenge Cup triumph over Bourgoin last October.

"I've really enjoyed my time here and the season has gone better than I thought it would for me," he said. "I'm delighted to have signed the contract and now my realistic target is to push on and play in the European games like I have been doing this season.

"I've experienced a new element of the game since turning professional where I have been on the wrong end of a cheap shot at times.

"My communication has had to improve to be in line for selection because if you cannot communicate you're not going to get on the pitch. Players like Ally Hogg and Jeremy Manning demand that I talk and this has really improved my communication."

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