And the England hooker adds his countryman Jordan Turner is a "great addition" to the squad.

Hodgson "hasn't stopped sweating" since he got off the plane after he spent his six-week break catching up with friends and family back in England following the Four Nations there late last year.

The 27-year-old was unsure how back-up hooker Kurt Baptiste's Achilles injury would affect his own role in the 2017 season.

Stuart has several options to fill the void Baptiste will leave for a large part of the season, including a like-for-like change with Adam Clydsdale coming onto the bench.

The run Baptiste generated when he came off the bench allowed Stuart to move Hodgson to lock when the Papua New Guinea international came on.

Stuart could opt for a similar set-up with Clydsdale or he could keep Hodgson at rake for the full 80 minutes, similar to Queensland captain Cameron Smith at the Melbourne Storm, which would open up a spot on the bench.

The arrival of Hodgson's fellow Englishman Jordan Turner also gives Stuart some flexibility after the Canberra coach said Turner could be the perfect utility player.

Turner can play several positions, in the halves, centres or second row, which would make him invaluable on the bench - although Turner has his sights set on forcing his way into the Raiders starting XIII.

Regardless of how Stuart shapes his line-up for round one against the North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville in round one, Hodgson said he'd be ready to play 80 minutes every week if needed.

"I don't think it really changes what I do, I played 80 minutes a fair few times last year - whether that be at hooker or moving to loose forward," he said.

"It doesn't make much difference to me. I know I can punch out 80 minutes for [Stuart].

"It gives him the option to play me on my own or bring 'Clydy' off the bench or anybody else.

"I'm not too sure what he's thinking, but all I can do is make sure I'm in the best shape I can be to give him that option."

Hodgson was full of praise for his countryman Turner.

He said versatile players were invaluable in the modern game, helping to cover any injuries.

"I think he's settled in really well. All the boys that I've spoken to have said he's trained really hard and he's strong in the gym and his fitness is pretty good as well," Hodgson said.

"He's a good kid, he's switched on, he's skilful and I think he's a great addition to the squad.

"He's someone you can rely upon every week and that can play a number of positions. You tend to need that in this day and age and the style of game that we're in.

"You need someone that's got a bit of versatility on the bench or anywhere in the team, just in case of injuries."

Hodgson embodies the hard-work ethic Stuart has instilled in his team, as the Green Machine looks to go a couple of steps better than last year's narrow preliminary final loss.

They've had a shorter, interrupted pre-season due their success - both with a later 2016 finish forcing a later start and also an increase in representative players going away for the Four Nations.

Hodgson played for England under super coach Wayne Bennett.

He was disappointed with the Poms' tournament, especially in their loss to Australia, but he did take one lesson away he hopes will help the Raiders' campaign.

"It just reinforced all the thoughts that I've already got  from being over here, that small things win big games," Hodgson said.

"I'm all the better for the experience, moving on from that now and just concentrating on the Raiders and looking forward to having a good year here.

"We've got to turn up every week ... that's something we're striving for every day, making sure we're as close enough to perfection every day."