Ex-Leeds Rhinos boss loving life at Hull FC as he builds relationships and pre-season plans are confirmed

One of the biggest stories of the season has revolved around Tony Smith.

After guiding Hull KR to the Super League semi-finals, in 2021, Smith shocked everyone in a press conference when he announced that he would be leaving at the end of the year.

This led to a downward spiral for the Robins which resulted in him parting company with the club prematurely.

Months later, Smith was appointed Head Coach of Hull KR’s biggest rivals Hull FC replacing Brett Hodgson going into 2023.

Smith has been in charge for six months and has spent that time building relationships as well as tweaking the squad allowing Jake Connor to join Huddersfield Giants and looking for a halfback with the Black and Whites chasing Jake Clifford.

On the back of this period, Smith has spoken to the club website about how much he has loved this period revealing that he has enjoyed building relationships: “The close-season has been a massively important period for me, as I have got to know each individual player and member of staff.

“It’s been an incredible time so far and I have absolutely loved every moment.

“There have been a lot of meetings and a lot of developing of relationships between each other within our organisation over the last few weeks.

“I am really excited for the gathering of all of our players and staff both on and off the field. That’s the part I love about Rugby League – developing those relationships.

“I’m looking forward to when training actually starts, but I find this particular stage fascinating and enlightening. It’s also very educational, and I have learned so much in the brief time that I have spent at the club so far.”

Smith’s pre-season preparations will begin on November 7th.

You can read his full thoughts here.