After a challenging year for everyone, hullfc.com takes a more optimistic look at what 2021 may have to offer, including a new coach, the return of fans and a World Cup to whet your appetite!
The ongoing difficulties of Coronavirus are quite apparent, but as we embark on another new season we take a look at a few positives in the world of rugby league and Hull FC.
Despite the many personal challenges we continue to face in 2021, we understand that Hull FC can often bring hope, pleasure and a distraction for many of our supporters at times like this.
So here are just a few of the things we think are worth getting excited about for the next 12 months ahead…
New Head Coach
Incoming head coach Brett Hodgson will take charge of the team for the first time on Monday and is ready to make his mark. Held in the highest regard on both sides of the world, Hodgson has been earmarked as one of the most promising young coaches in the game and we’re looking forward to seeing his influence on the Black & Whites!
New Coaching Structure
Hodgson will be joined by another legend of the modern game on the coaching staff in 2021, with Gareth Ellis bringing his invaluable experience to the role of Assistant Coach.
New Half Back
Half backs are a regular talking point amongst Hull FC supporters and the arrival of former State of Origin star Josh Reynolds hopefully ticks all the boxes. Renowned for his competitive streak, work ethic and commitment to the clubs he has represented, not to mention a fantastic skillset, we can’t wait to see the Blues star in the irregular hoops!
Carlos & Contracts
One of the most welcome headlines for 2021 was the retention of Player of the Year Carlos Tuimavave! One of the most underrated players in Super League, Tuimavave’s contribution and consistency is not lost on Hull FC staff, players and fans alike – also being named Players’ Player of the Year. Another four years of Carlos, bring it on! With a number of other players off-contract heading into 2021, there’s sure to be more exciting news for Hull fans on the way!
The Young Guns
One of the positives of 2020 was the progression of some of the club’s bright young stars. The likes of Jordan Lane, Joe Cator, Jordan Johnstone, Jack Brown and Cameron Scott all made a notable impression, whilst there was also a debut for England Academy half back Ben McNamara. Another England Academy international Jude Ferreira will embark on his first full season in the senior squad, being joined by seven other academy players who are being rewarded with the chance to train with the first-team in pre-season from next week.
New-look academy pathway
2021 will see the continued investment in club’s exciting new Centre of Excellence pathway, which now boasts over 90 promising young rugby league players wearing the club’s colours with pride. From age 14 to first-team, the club is nurturing the next crop of players through training and education at dedicated facility in Hull, as well as further afield with additional development centres also being established across the country.
Coming Home to the KCOM
The thing we are most looking forward to in 2021 is welcoming back our members to the KCOM Stadium. With fans already returning to some sports, a delayed start to the Super League season and encouraging news of vaccines, we hope to welcome back supporters sooner rather than later.
High Profile Commercial Support
Joining us on the journey in 2021 are three of Super League’s most high-profile partners – Atropa, Jacuzzi® and hummel®. All three partners have pledged their support for the new season and beyond, joining a record number of local and regional commercial partners who are the backbone of the club. We are extremely grateful for their continued support after such a challenging year for all businesses.
Record breaking retail!
A club-record merchandise partnership with new partners hummel® has been matched by record home and away shirt sales so far for 2021! Both new kits are now officially are fastest-selling ever, with away kits already heading for a sell-out. The new ranges have proven to be extremely popular, with more to come throughout the year ahead. It provides an invaluable lifeline for the club as we navigate Covid-19, whilst we are always incredibly proud to see so many people wearing club colours across the city.
Rugby League World Cup 2021
We’ve got what promises to be the biggest Rugby League World Cup ever to look forward to at the end of the season, including a number of fixtures at the KCOM Stadium! With mens, womens and wheelchair tournaments to support, plus all games broadcast live on TV, it will be a feast of rugby league and a fantastic opportunity to showcase the sport we all love! We also hope to see some of our own international stars in action, including Josh Griffin, Jake Connor and Manu Ma’u amongst others!
Happy Birthday Johnny!
Finally, we can’t let this opportunity pass without recognising one of the main highlights of 2021 as we celebrate the life and career of Johnny Whiteley MBE in his 90th year! A legend of Hull FC and still a very close friend of the club, we will wear a special tribute jersey for Johnny throughout the year, with more special retail ranges planned for launch in the near future! Johnny was ever-present watching his beloved Airlie Birds until Covid hit and we can’t wait to have him back! When fans are back, we’ll give him a special match day tribute to properly recognise the GOAT!
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