Newly appointed head coach Tony Smith is hopeful of introducing an “eye-catching” style of Rugby League during the 2023 Betfred Super League campaign.
Smith, who began life at the Black & Whites last week, is currently preparing for the start of his side’s pre-season campaign following his appointment earlier this month.
Having coached sides that became known for their attacking flair under his stewardship, Smith is hoping to replicate the exciting style of play with his new side.
“I’m hoping we can bring in some eye-catching rugby next season – we’ve got plenty of talent here,” Smith said in his first press conference with members of the media last Monday.
“There is a certain kind of rugby league that I enjoy and I’m proud to coach – I want people to enjoy coming to watch the teams that I coach and I love it when people say that.”
The former Giants, Rhinos, Wolves and Robins coach insisted that he wants to ensure that Hull’s brand keeps the supporters entertained next season, similar to other teams in the competition.
“I think you’re seeing a bit of that Smith brand at Leeds Rhinos at the moment under Rohan. Salford and Wigan are both similarly good to watch at the moment, and they’re making it fun.
“My job is to win games, but we want to make it fun. I’m not going to take five drives and a kick in order to be successful, as I’d probably get run out of town!
“It takes more than that – we need to be smart about when to play, and there are times when you have to be conservative in games.
“But we also have to take those opportunities, chance your arm, and play what is in front of you, and I always encourage my players to do that. That doesn’t mean we don’t play with structure though, but realising when those moments are to take a risk, make an offload, kick the ball – that’s about giving the responsibility to the players.”
Discussing his own coaching philosophy, he continued: “My philosophy is about the attacking side of the game that I encourage our players to get involved in, but I also love great defence – the better that is, the more risk you can take.
“I love when your team is able to defend its try-line for back to back sets over and over. I haven’t always been able to get that out of every team I have coached, but if the effort and desire is there, we’re capable.
“We all love to see our teams score tries, but we need to hate conceding and instil that feeling across the team. We’ll have a big focus on both areas, neither are more important than the other, even if I may be more known for my attacking style.”
STORY SPONSOR
