Sharks stars to switch codes (From This Is Cheshire)

Sharks stars to switch codes

11:45am Wednesday 10th January 2007

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SALE stars Charlie Hodgson and Jason White could switch codes this summer as part of their race to get fit for the Rugby World Cup.

The pair both suffered cruciate ligament injuries during the recent autumn internationals, ruling them out of action until after the end of the current Premiership season.

And with time running out before the start of the World Cup in September, a short-term switch to rugby league appears to be the best option if they are to battle their way back into contention.

Both players returned to the gym earlier this month to begin their rehabilitation following reconstructive knee surgery.

But with Scotland captain White not due back until the end of May and Hodgson expected to return in June, the problem then is how to regain the necessary match fitness in time for the tournament.

Technically, they could remain in union and find a temporary club in the Southern Hemisphere, where the season runs from February to October.

But it is believed that Sharks would prefer their players to complete the rehabilitation process closer to home, which means finding a temporary solution in Superleague.

Although negotiations are yet to begin on such a proposal, the Edgeley Park club have strong links in the other code and would be confident of securing some kind of agreement.

England fly half Hodgson missed out on a World Cup winner's medal in 2003 after sustaining the same injury on his opposite knee.

And national team coach Brian Ashton would be keen to welcome the Sale playmaker back into the fold, with the fitness of Jonny Wilkinson still uncertain and his remaining options at 10 - Toby Flood, Shane Geraghty and Ryan Lamb - lacking international experience.

"The injury takes a minimum six-month recovery and I'm pleased with the progress so far," Hodgson told the Daily Mail.

"I hope to be playing again sometime in July and then I will need some games if I am to be involved in England's pre-World Cup fixtures.

"Getting those games would mean going overseas, unless I can arrange to play some Rugby League for a month. I need something like that if I am to give myself the best possible shot at being in contention for the World Cup.

"Jason is about a week ahead of me in recovery and we've spoken about the question of finding a few summer matches.

"I am thinking of all the options but everything depends on how the rehab goes. I realise it will be no easy task to get into the World Cup squad because I know how long it took me after a similar operation on the left knee."

What do you think? Is a league switch the best option for Hodgson and White? Will the Sale stars make an impact in the opposite code?

Leave your comments at the end of this story.

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