Pete Grayburn has reflected on a year of progress in his first season in charge of the Black & Whites’ Women’s side.
An 8th placed finish saw the side comfortably avoid a relegation battle in their first year back in the second tier having secured the League 1 title in 2024.
“The coaching team and players had our short, medium and long term goals and I believe we achieved those goals,” Grayburn said.
“We might have started off as favourites to go straight back down – a lot of blood, sweat and tears prevented that and I couldn’t be happier for the players.”
Grayburn says this year was all about creating a professional environment and ensuring the team continue on the right path, but he believes “the fantastic strides the club have made within the women’s and girls’ programme, we can go on to achieve greater things in the future.
“We were under no illusion of the magnitude of the task ahead of us in a challenging league, but as wonderful as it was that we avoided relegation, we are disappointed we didn’t pick up another six points, which would have seen us right up there towards the play-offs.
“I’m pleased our players feel this way as it shows a determination to be better, but we have learnt lessons from the defeats and understand it’s the fine margins at this level that separate winning and losing.”
The Women’s side haven’t been afraid to get into the grind this season, and that’s something that has been key to success, something Pete Grayburn says the team pride themselves on.
“We talk often about a players’ attitude and application and having that desire to do the little things right, the things that often go unnoticed.
“Our effort areas are something we pride ourselves on and this has been visible throughout the year- we will continue to build resilience individually and collectively.”
The team have also struggled with injuries this season, to the extent where only sixteen players were available against London last week, making that grind and resilience all the more impressive.
“We’ve had players making their debut in Rugby League and excelling in their moment to shine.
“Whatever obstacles have been placed in front of this playing group, they will find a way to overcome them, and that is what this team is built around.”
While the team have impressed from the minute one, the improvement from Featherstone in Round 1 to the end of the season, has been clear. Grayburn says there are a number of reasons for this.
“First of all, credit to the club for having the vision and aligning their Women’s and Girls’ pathways with their Men’s Youth Development department.
“Secondly, working at the University of Hull and its state of the art facilities – we are trying to create independent intelligent learners both physically and mentally, and creating the correct environment is crucial to that development process.”
The co-captaincy of Jade Key and Nat Romano also undoubtedly played a key role this season, and Grayburn was full of praise for both.
“Both had big impacts in pre-season and I saw leadership qualities in them both that I needed to drive us forward from a player perspective.
“Jade (Key) is a very level headed player and very much a perfectionist on and off the field, whilst Nat (Romano) is very much a player who leads by her actions on and off the field and plays very aggressive both sides of the ball.”
“Jade strives to be the very best she can be and upholds these standards to her peers, whilst Nat is a bubbly character and someone who brings the comms to training and brings people together.
“I want to thank them both for their contribution throughout the journey this year.”
FC’s promotion last season saw the return of the Women’s Hull Derby, something the team had discussed at the start of the season.
“We spoke a lot at the start of the season about the club’s history and heritage and wanting to create our own special moments.
“For the girls on either side, it might have been their first or fourth derby, but it was a privilege to play in and be a part of as not many people get that chance.”
While there’s no doubting that the derby was a special moment of the season, Grayburn explained how the away match with Cardiff Demons was his personal highlight.
“Travelling away to Cardiff and playing a side full of Welsh internationals was a proud moment for me and the team.
“The scoreline didn’t reflect our players’ integrity and desire that day – we spoke about doing the shirt justice every time you pull it on, and each and every player did that that day.
“In adversity good things can come and I couldn’t be prouder of the players and staff that day.”
A number of players have been rewarded with international call-ups, recognising their and their teammates’ efforts throughout the year.
“Kayleigh Waller will represent the Community Lions Women’s programme and will play against an Australian representative side, Jamaica and Scotland in October whilst Lily Bunby and Grace Williamson have been selected for the Community Lions Under 21s and will play against a touring Australia U21’s side.
“All three players have been tremendous for us this season and all fully deserve their callups.”
And Grayburn also heaps praise on a wide range of individuals for their support throughout the season.
I want to thank our coaching and medical team – Jayne, Ben, Kieron, Amy – for their continued support and professionalism throughout the season. Their contribution to the development of our athletes both on and off the field is remarkable and I’m very grateful to them all.
‘’To the supporters who turn up home and away, it doesn’t go unnoticed and we thank you on behalf of all the players and staff for your support. And to the sponsors, we appreciate your generosity and commitment to Women’s Rugby League in Hull.
“Finally, to the amazing group of players, it’s been a pleasure and privilege to not only get to know you as players but more importantly as people. You have done yourselves, families and the club proud.”
Hull FC Women’s side is proudly sponsored by Finalys.
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