There’s a real buzz around the University of Hull training facility this week, according to Scott Taylor, as Hull FC’s first-team squad returned for pre-season training on Monday morning.
As the club rebooted on Monday, the players welcomed a handful of new faces in the coaching team, with Tony Smith taking his first session as Head Coach, whilst Assistant Coach Stanley Gene, Head of Performance Jason Davidson and Head Physio Seamus McCallion all got their first taste of life behind the scenes at Hull.
Young half-back Jake Trueman was also welcomed into the squad by his new team mates.
With two full days now done and dusted, hullfc.com caught up with the Black & Whites’ front-rower to discover how he’s found the first couple of pre-season sessions.
“It’s been a really good start to pre-season training and it’s been good to see some new faces around the camp, especially in the coaching department,” he said.
“Jake [Trueman] has been in with us this week and the other new lads will join the group soon – I’m excited to meet those boys when they arrive here.
“Tony [Smith] has been fantastic with us so far. He’s come in straight away and set his stall out. He’s had a real impact on the group, I think, just with the little things he’s been saying in camp. It’s giving off a positive vibe.”
Like Taylor, Smith has experienced his fair share of pre-season campaigns, but to help him hit the ground running in his new role at Hull, the Australian has brought one or two familiar faces to the club to join the coaching team.
Stanley Gene, Jason Davidson and Seamus McCallion have all got their teeth into their new roles at the club, and Taylor believes they are all strong additions.
“Tony is an experienced coach and he’s brought some staff in with him that he’s worked with before, and I totally understand why he’s done that,” Taylor explained.
“Stan has come in as an Assistant Coach. He’s been fantastic, too. I actually played with Stan back in 2009 – a long time ago now – so I know what he’s all about.
“JD and Seamus have both made a good impression on the group, as well, which is what you want early doors.
“They both bring a lot of energy and at the end of the day, they bring the best out of players. So it’s a pleasure to have them on board with us.”
The 31-year-old will be hoping for a smoother pre-season campaign this time around, after his preparations for the 2022 competition were derailed by a foot injury that ultimately sidelined him for the first two months of the season.
“My mentality is no different to any pre-season. I’ll be bringing the same attitude that I’ve always had and that’s putting 100% into it,” he said.
“Last year, I was flying through pre-season, got into really good shape and then I suffered a setback with an injury.
“So I’m hoping for a clean run through this season. The most important thing is that I’m out there in Round One.
“I missed the first eight or nine games of the season last time around, so I need to make sure I’m fully fit. Scott Taylor needs to be out on that field come Round One in February and I’ll be doing everything I can in pre-season to make sure that happens.”
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