Hull FC legend Scott Taylor issues pre-season update on newest team in rugby league

Hull FC legend Scott Taylor has provided an update on rugby league’s newest team in the top three tiers – Goole Vikings.

The Vikings will join League One in 2025 with the Goole-based outfit being successful in their bid to become the newest side to join the top three flights of rugby league in the UK.

Using the roots of their amateur club, Goole have built out a squad to compete in League One that features plenty of former Super League players as well as lots of Championship and League One experience.

Heading up the team in his first ever head coach role is Hull FC legend Scott Taylor and the former Black and White has now reflected on his first pre-season as a coach, as well as the Vikings’ first pre-season as a team.

“I’m really happy,” Taylor explained when speaking to club media.

“We’ve had a good first four weeks together. There has been a lot to fit in, we’ve been a new team which takes time to bring together, but the one thing I can’t knock is the effort from the boys.

“Everyone’s buying into the process and the stuff we’re putting in place and they’re all working really hard.”

How Hull FC legend is prepping Goole Vikings for maiden season

Among those to sign for the Vikings is former Hull FC man Jamie Shaul, one of the team’s most significant recruits, and Taylor has spoken on the ‘excitement’ around the team at the moment.

He explained: “I’m really happy where we are as a team at the minute, excited with the group of lads we’ve got together and what we’re achieving at the minute.

“We’ve given them a bit of time off over Christmas, we’ve been back in today and then full steam ahead in the new year ready for the first friendly.”

A first-ever game against Featherstone Rovers will kick the club off in January before they welcome London Broncos in Round Two of the Challenge Cup.

Taylor explained that team-building activities such as their recent darts competition has helped the huge number of new faces bond ahead of their debut season in League One.

The former Hull FC prop explained: “We’ve got a really good group of lads who have come together very quickly, but activities like today are really important when it comes to building those relationships and connections, plus they’re all naturally competitive!

“Every successful team I have been part of has been built on togetherness, friendships and respect – it isn’t something you can force or manufacture, but days like today are really good for helping create an environment where that can grow.

“I am grateful to James (Clark) and the club for pulling it together for us and it is a good reward for the boys on the back of some really hard work on the training field – and thanks to everyone at Taphouse for looking after us.”