Hull FC coach Tony Smith has been enjoying his time in the hot seat at the MKM Stadium but has promised that the intensity is going to lift as the Balck and Whites gear up towards the season.
Smith left Hull KR mid season and has brought success to both Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves in the past and is now preparing to do the same at Hull FC as he takes on the Head Coach role in 2023.
Speaking to the club website, Smith revealed he plans to play a strong team against Sheffield Eagles in the new year as he also prepares to up the intensity of pre-season.
He said: “When the players are back in the New Year, that’s when we’ll really ramp it up again. We’re expecting them to tick over into the New Year through their home programmes, so they can manage the increased intensity levels.
“We need those intensity levels to raise in the New Year because we’ll be in touching distance of our first friendly match against Sheffield and we want to be able to put out as strong a side as we can.
“What the make-up of that side will be, I’m not quite sure about that yet. Those are decisions I’ll be able to make in the New Year. But it will be a strong squad, regardless.
“I’m really happy with the work the players have completed over the last couple of months.
“I think they have fully enjoyed it. They have been coming into work with smiles on their faces and they have put an awful lot of effort into the sessions.
“There has been a lot of skill involved, a lot of competition involved and a lot of challenges. And all of the players have responded very well to those factors.
“As coaches, we have tried to make sessions as interesting as we can. There are also some things you just have to do. But we’ve tried to stimulate the players by making as many sessions as interesting and engaging and I think we have been successful in making the players enjoy themselves this side of the New Year.
“I’m really pleased with the level of enthusiasm within the group. You’ve got players inspiring one another and enjoying each others company. There’s a great camaraderie within the group at this moment in time.”
