Joe Lovodua is looking forward to kicking on after his first season in the Betfred Super League with Hull FC.
The Fijian quickly became a fan favourite in East Yorkshire, after scoring three tries in the opening five rounds of the 2022 season.
He will remain at the MKM Stadium in 2023, and he is looking forward to pushing himself to the next level.
“Sadly I didn’t get to finish the season due to my injury, but I have had chance to reflect on my first season in Super League and there are a lot of positives for me to take away from it,” he said.
“I think because of the way the season ended for the team, and because I missed those last few games, it’s given me a fire in my belly to come back and have an even better season for Hull.
“We had a frustrating year with injuries in 2022, so hopefully we can get our strongest team out on the field as much as possible because I feel that we have the ability to make a real mark in the league.”
Lovodua’s season came to a premature end when he suffered a knee injury in August, missing the final few games of the year.
But the Fijian is determined to come back in better shape for the start of pre-season training, which is now on the horizon.
“The rehab has been going well. I spent six weeks in a boot and since that came off, it’s all been about getting some strength into my leg and lower-body muscles,” he explained.
“Calum, one of the conditioning coaches, has been in constant contact with me over the off-season, helping me through my rehab.
“He’s been really good at making sure I’ve got all of the programmes I need, helping me keep on top of things and come back fitter and stronger.”
Currently spending some time in Australia after his first entire year away from home, Lovodua will return to East Yorkshire in the next couple of weeks with a fresh mindset, having taken some time to unwind.
He will be greeted by a new head coach when he returns, with Tony Smith looking forward to meeting the 24-year-old, one of the few members of the squad that he has not had the opportunity to meet face-to-face yet.
Regardless, Lovodua believes the pair will have a good relationship, as he believes Smith’s style of play will suit him.
“I think that style of rugby suits me. I like to play eyes up footy on the front foot and I think Tony’s style of play will really play into my hands.
“It’s off-the-cuff rugby but structured in a way that’s going to get you the result at the end of the game.
“The players that we have at the club, as well as those that we are bringing in for the new season, will really thrive off that style of play, I think.”
Whilst spending some time in Australia, Lovodua hasn’t entirely switched off from Rugby League, as he is keeping tabs on his Hull FC team mate and international colleague Mitieli Vulikijapani in action at the Rugby League World Cup.
The Black & Whites’ outside back made his international debut against the reigning World Cup champions Australia on Saturday.
Although the match ended in defeat for Vulikijapani and Fiji, Lovodua spoke candidly about how proud he is of his team mate.
“I’m over the moon for Mitchi. For him to get the chance to represent Fiji at the World Cup is really special.
“It’s a great story for him, especially because he only made his Rugby League debut last year. But he’s worked really hard and he deserves the opportunity.
“He’s out there testing himself against the best of the best and I’m cheering him on all the way.
“He’s a huge asset for Hull FC and I’m looking forward to seeing more of him in a Fiji shirt over the next few weeks.”
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