Is it just a massive coincidence or is Tony Smith set for the Hull FC job?
It’s a move that has gained traction this afternoon following the departure of Brett Hodgson from Hull FC after he left by mutual consent.
Hodgson has had a disappointing first head coaching role at the MKM Stadium, finishing in ninth in 2022 and failing to qualify for the play-offs both last year and this year despite great investment from the top.
Now, the question of who will replace Hodgson is one that has been doing the rounds all day with one BBC Radio Humberside reporter getting the lowdown from the former Leeds Rhinos, Hull KR and Warrington Wolves head coach.
Mike White of BBC Radio Humberside revealed: “Plenty of talk of Tony Smith to be Brett Hodgson’s replacement at @hullfcofficial – something that had been bubbling already prior to this weekend & todays news. I’ve asked him this afternoon if he’s been sounded out – tells me he hasn’t but would be interested.”
Plenty of talk of Tony Smith to be Brett Hodgson’s replacement at @hullfcofficial – something that had been bubbling already prior to this weekend & todays news.
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I’ve asked him this afternoon if he’s been sounded out – tells me he hasn’t but would be interested. #COYH #HullFC pic.twitter.com/5mV2DxQk9b
— Mike White (@mikewhitesport) September 5, 2022
That has coincided with the news that Stewart Davidson has left his backroom staff post at Leeds after 17 years – Davidson previously worked with Smith at Huddersfield and Leeds as well as England.
It would be an incredible cross-city move for the Australian who left Hull KR earlier in the season following a dismal run of form, despite getting Rovers to a Challenge Cup semi-final.
Current Hull KR interim coach Danny McGuire believes Smith will return to coaching.
“I’ve not spoken to him but I saw him in the street and shook his hand. I always thank him for what he did for me as a player and I learnt a lot at the beginning of my coaching career.
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“I think Tony will be looking to get back into the game and any team will be fortunate to get someone of Tony’s experience.”
And, could that well be Hull FC? Smith knows how to get the best out of a struggling side – epitomised by his stunning revival of Hull KR in such a short space of time – and that could be vital going forward.