114 days since Hull FC’s last action, the Black & Whites are set to return to the Rugby League field – and nobody is more excited than Head Coach Tony Smith.
There have been a lot of long days and cold mornings over the last two months, with a 39-strong first-team squad giving it their all in preparation for the 2024 Betfred Super League campaign.
Things now become a little more important, with the start of the new campaign appearing over the horizon.
The first pre-season friendly of the year takes place on Sunday afternoon, with a young Hull FC side set to travel across the M62 to face Bradford Bulls.
“I’m excited for the game. I think we all need our hit of Rugby League again,” Smith said.
“We’ve all enjoyed the darts and the other sports over Christmas, but it’s time for our great game to make a return and we’re all really excited to see our young guys in action this weekend.
“I love watching the young guys coming through and the enthusiasm they bring. Hopefully they can bring us the start to the year that we would all like.
“We want to see a confident display. Whether they win or not, that doesn’t matter. It’s about them competing and practicing everything we’ve been doing in training for the last couple of months.”
Smith will name his 21-man squad tomorrow afternoon, as supporters can look forward to their first glimpse of the Black & Whites in 2024.
He is looking forward to the challenge of facing one of the Championship’s most renowned clubs, as he explains how he is looking specifically to see how his players respond in the face of adversity during the game.
“It will be a big challenge, but also a huge opportunity for a lot of our young guys to develop as they go up against one of the top Championship clubs,” he said.
“I think it will give us a good indication of where our young guys are at. If they are competing with Bradford at certain periods in the game then that will give us a good indication of where we are at, and tell us that we are developing a good group of young men.
“It will be a chance to go out there and impress the coaching staff and impress their team mates. Maybe it will give them a chance to earn another hit-out in our next friendly against Doncaster with a lot more of a senior players featuring in that one, as well as a sprinkling of the young guys.”
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