Brett Hodgson has reviewed the Black & Whites opening fortnight of pre-season training, explaining that defensive improvements has been the main focus for his side.
The Airlie Birds’ new head coach explained he’s been impressed with the application of the players across the squad, and says a new sense of togetherness is also evident amongst the group.
The squad returned to pre-season training on January 4th, with the return of Betfred Super League action just over two months away.
Speaking to hullfc.com, Hodgson said: “I’m very impressed with the way the players have come in and shown a great mindset towards what we are trying to achieve.
“We have challenged them in a couple of areas and at this stage, everyone has rise to those challenges that have been set.
“The boys seem to be really happy with how they’re getting on and it’s been a good start that we can build on going forward over the next couple of months.
On the main focus of the squad in the opening weeks, he added: “Defense has been the big focus; the vast majority of our work has been around our contact, and the processes around our defensive systems.
“At this stage, the players have invested their energy and attitudes well into something they see are really important to improve on as a team.”
The former Wests Tigers assistant has also encouraged the group to increase their sense of ‘togetherness’ during pre-season, and believes he has already begun to see this being applied.
“We’ve done some things around training that encourage that support of one and other, and togetherness within the group. As I said, at this stage everyone is investing in what we’re after.”
On individual efforts, he commented: “I wouldn’t want to single anyone out as having done better than the rest- everyone has applied themselves well.
“Even the boys who are doing rehab have been exceptional in terms of the effort being put in to get back fit, including Jamie Shaul. Collectively, there is a sense of togetherness and we can only build on.”
However, Hodgson did comment on the individuals Carlos Tuimavave and Joe Cator, the recipients of last season’s main End of Season awards.
“Carlos is a very good player in his own right and worthy of winning the Player of the Year award last year. He’s come back with the right attitude – he’s had some great news welcoming another two boys into his family earlier this week.
“He has had some time to spend with them and his wife, but he has come back in and is training hard and is leading the way in terms of changing some of our processes defensively.
“And Joe Cator is enthusiastic, he’s fit, and looks fantastic in our fitness drills. He’s looking to learn and develop his game to the next level.”
Hodgson also commented on the efforts of the seven academy players, who have been training with the first-team squad in the opening two weeks, saying: “They’ve been great. We initially put them on a two-week period to see how they go, but they’ve all earned the right to be there with their effort and energy.
“I’m really happy with their attitude and application. They’re finding out that it is difficult being up for every session, but they’re all continuing to push hard and giving themselves the chance to develop.”
Hodgson also provided an update on Jake Connor, adding: “Jake has had a bit of an issue with the back of his leg with some swelling.
“We’re just monitoring him a little bit at the moment in these early stages of pre-season but I’ve got no doubt that by the middle of next week, he’ll be back out on the training field.”
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