Then coach of the Western Suburbs Magpies, Tommy Raudonikis, had forgotten to put him on during his debut game in 1997.

``I was sitting there biting my nails for 78 minutes before I got on,'' Hodgson said last week.

Over the years he has played many games at Campbelltown but on Monday, July 14, the Wests Tigers captain will run out onto the field for the final time in his home town.

``Leading up to the game I'll be excited but once it's all over I'm definitely going to be very sad about it because it seems like yesterday that I first debuted here and now it's all over,'' Hodgson said.

``It's home to me. As a kid out here I always wanted to play on Campbelltown Stadium.''

Hodgson knows the team needs a big turnout of fans to help them beat the Melbourne Storm in the Monday night game.

``Hopefully it can be a good night and people can get out and cheer us on,'' he said. ``It's imperative we have people out there and really support us. At times it's tough and you are struggling and if there's crowd support it really lifts you.''

Despite being one of the most well-known Tigers players, Hodgson said it was only occasionally fans would ask for autographs when they saw him out and about.

``But when kids come up and say hello I love it,'' he said.

Wests Tigers take on Melbourne Storm on Monday night at Campbelltown Stadium. Kick-off, 7pm.