Danny Houghton has said he hopes incoming head coach Brett Hodgson can replicate his on-field success in his new role with the club in the coming seasons.
The former Warrington and Huddersfield full-back was announced as the Airlie Bird’s new permanent head coach earlier this week, and will lead his new side into the 2021 Betfred Super League campaign, arriving in the country next month.
Hodgson picked up several major honours throughout his career, including winning the NRL Grand Final with Wests Tigers in 2005, the Challenge Cup Final with Warrington in 2012, as well as being a New South Wales representative and Man of Steel winner in 2009.
Speaking to hullfc.com, Houghton said: “There’s going to be a little bit of a shake-up around the place, and a freshening up of a few things around the training ground.
“If Brett can replicate what he did as a player in a coaching capacity, we aren’t going to go far wrong – we’re looking forward to getting started under him and seeing some of the new ideas he’s going to bring in.
“First and foremost, we want a big pre-season under our belt to set us up for a strong season under a new coach. We’ll rest up and enjoy our break and then be ready and set to go again.”
Captain Houghton believes that the Black & White squad need to build on the success seen in the latter stages of the 2020 Betfred Super League campaign.
Hull won five of their last seven games in October and November, including their impressive play-off win over Warrington at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
“We need to try and build on what we’ve done in the back-end of this season.
“We want to push on to that next level and be challenging the likes of Wigan and Saints – that is what this club strives to do, so there is a lot of hard work to do.
He added: “On a personal level, I’ve said it a few times, but I found a bit of a new love for the game in those last few months of the season, so I’m excited for what’s ahead in 2021.”
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