After an outstanding Rugby League career spanning over 13 years, free scoring winger Jodie Broughton has decided to officially call time on his playing days. Since his debut for Hull FC in 2008, 218 first class appearances have resulted in an astounding 140 Tries.

Jodie’s love for the game began at Queens ARLFC, where he played alongside James Brown, Ben Jones Bishop and Michael McIlorum before all 4 moved on to professional careers.

A move to the Leeds Rhinos Academy, where he captained the U21 side, led to a 2 year spell at Hull FC before moving on to Salford for 4 years where he registered 60 Tries in 99 games, and recalls favourably in particular playing at the old Willows Stadium. “It was a proper old style Rugby League Stadium, full of character, and I have some great memories of my time there and with Salford”

A move to Huddersfield Giants resulted in 31 appearances and 16 Tries, with The Giants finishing 2^nd and 3^rd in the Super League table.

During all of this time, he remarkably carried on working, in a career as a Quantity Surveyor.

Then came what Jodie describes as the best spell of his career, a move to Catalans Dragons, where he spent 4 years. An unfortunate run of injuries restricted appearances to 52, still crossing the line an incredible 38 times for the French side.

“It’s just a fantastic club with a real family atmosphere. Everyone gets involved. The supporters, sponsors squad and officials are all together as one. I feel privileged to have spent 4 years there and loved every minute”

For the Ill-fated 2020 Season, a return to the UK was on the cards, and although only able to play 4 times for Halifax before the season was cut short, he still managed 5 tries, before making the move to Batley Bulldogs for 2021.

Once again, his game to try ratio remained outstanding with 13 appearances for The Bulldogs resulting in 13 tries.

“Batley is a fantastic club and to have spent my final year playing there has been amazing. There’s a very similar feel to Catalans, apart from the weather! The club has a special togetherness, I knew plenty of the players already, especially James Brown of course, as we began our journeys together.”

With a great twist of Irony, the final game of a memorable career was to be back in France, as The Bulldogs performed heroically against Toulouse Olympique in the Betfred Championship Semi Final”

“It was an amazing day. Obviously I’d have preferred one more game, but for it to end there in France, with friends in the crowd, and to be on the field with Browny, made it extra special. I’ve been very lucky, I have some incredible memories and friends for life.”

As well as being able to spend more time with his family, Jodie plans now to concentrate on his Surveying career and will also stay in the game as he develops a role as a Player Welfare Officer. “It’s something I’m very much looking forward to. Batley have given me the opportunity to work with them and I can’t wait to get started.”

Appearances for the England Knights, and one for England against a Cumbria side in 2010, can be added to the above.

Jodie Broughton has been another outstanding servant to our game. A Try return of more than one every two games speaks for itself. The final word goes to his final Coach, Craig Lingard.

“Jodie is the ultimate professional and when you see the quality of club he has played for, there’s no surprise. His approach and attitude at Batley have been first class and it’s been a pleasure to have him around the camp this year, and we’re delighted he’s staying with us as he looks to the next stage of his career.”