Hull KR have confirmed that reserve and academy coach Stanley Gene will depart the club with immediate effect, after accepting his request to be released from his contract to pursue another opportunity.
The club said: “The club would like to thank Stan for his contribution over the last three seasons.”
It is widely expected that Gene will be moving to Hull FC with new boss Tony Smith whose appointment was confirmed over the weekend.
One of the most experienced coaches in the game, with over 500 matches under his belt as well as multiple honours including Grand Final and Challenge Cup honours, Smith begins his time at the club ahead of FC’s pre-season campaign getting underway later in the Autumn.
In his first interview since joining the club, Smith gave an insight into what supporters can expect from his coaching regime.
“Whenever I take over a club, I’m very respectful of what’s gone before me. Only time will tell about the differences I can bring, but all coaches have different aspects and style.
“Super League is incredibly competitive, and success in sport isn’t always an easy thing to achieve – what it needs is everybody in the organisation on the same page, with plenty of positivity around the place. When that happens, you can achieve great things.
“I’m looking forward to meeting the staff, the players, the backroom staff, and everyone around the club, and having a look at the resources at my disposal. Every successful organisation has the drive and desire to work hard for each other, and the want to build something – wherever I’ve been in the past, I always like to play a role across the club.
He continued: “This is a club with one of the great histories in Rugby League – you know that when you come up against the club. There is a great passion amongst the fan base, and a huge love for the club across the city.
“I know people are yearning for success here, but getting back to those glory days take a lot of hard-work and sacrifice along the way. We’re looking to have a group of players here to understand those challenges, while getting people smiling and proud, and watching some attractive Rugby League.
“One would hope that we can develop a team to be proud of, in terms of effort, and even in those weeks where we don’t success, we want everyone to see that we’ve given our best and left everything out on the field. As a coach, that is all you can ask for, and that is one of the key things we’ll be looking to instill over the next few months.
Assessing the players at his disposal within the Black & Whites’ first-team squad, he added: “In terms of the squad, I see a lot of talent, and a lot of potential.
“I’m big on giving everyone a chance to prove themselves, and hopefully I can help each of them individually develop and improve. I enjoy that part of the job, and creating a culture that works hard for one and other and playing for that badge.
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