Reece Hodge began his sporting journey in cricket, playing junior cricket for Harbord and Peninsula before progressing through the representative age groups. His early talent was evident as he became a key member of the Manly Green Shield side that reached the Grand Final in the 2009/10 season, alongside future Manly Waratah players including Rawlings, Beatty, Daly, Webber, Badyari, Marshall, Kaye, Farrell and S. Alexander.