Born in Leigh, Hodkinson started his professional rugby league career with Salford, making his debut in November 1968.[3] He then moved to Rochdale Hornets, where he debuted in November 1969. He went on to spend 10 seasons with Rochdale, eight of which were as the club's captain.[4]
In February 1981, he was transferred to Wigan for a fee of £10,000.[6] He was then sold to Barrow, where he was part of the side that won the 1983 Lancashire Cup.
He joined Swinton in 1985, but announced his retirement later that year.[7]