Jon Wilkin names the head coach Hull FC should appoint

Hull FC have suffered a disastrous Super League season so far. Their search for a head coach to replace Tony Smith continues. The Black and Whites suffered a 58-0 defeat against St Helens in their most recent game. The need for a permanent appointment grows with each heavy defeat.

The club has been busy in the transfer market this week. They have announced a raft of signings to boost their squad, including Yusuf Aydin from city rivals Hull KR.

Now, new Director of Rugby, Richie Myler, can turn his attention to appointing the right coach. Hull FC were recently unsuccessful in an attempt to tempt Paul Rowley to Hull from Salford.

Wilkin: Hull FC need someone young and energetic

Speaking to The Verdict, Sky Sports pundit Jon Wilkin has described what he believes are the qualities needed to succeed at the MKM stadium.

“I think they need to get a young developmental coach, somebody from reserve grade or junior grade over in Australia or even in this country, somebody with limited experience.

“I would take a punt on somebody who’s young, energetic, has got a passion and zest for the craft of coaching, which is just a consuming job. It’s highly pressurized.

“It’s an incredibly difficult thing to do well and to attack with energy 24-7 is what you need to do.”

Holbrook exceptional candidate

Jon Wilkin then named his ideal candidate for the Hull FC job. He believes that ex-St Helens boss, Justin Holbrook, has the right ingredients to turn the Black and Whites around.

Holbrook is available, after leaving the Gold Coast Titans at the end of the 2023 season.

“I think Justin Holbrook would be an exceptional candidate for Hull FC”, Wilkin said.

“What he did at St. Helens, he came in and turned our frustration into excitement, he turned our frailties into confidence, and he turned young boys into men.

“And that’s what I see the job of the Hull FC being. I would urge Richie Myler to go out and get a coach like Justin Holbrook.”

Justin Holbrook achieved huge success in his time at St Helens. He replaced Saints legend in 2017. Holbrook led the Saints to the League Leaders Shield and a Grand Final win in 2019, defeating Salford in the final. He is also the current Papua New Guinea head coach.