Connect with us

Super League

New Hull FC boss Tony Smith excited by Gareth Ellis reunion

All eyes will be firmly focused on Tony Smith in 2023.

After making the cross-city move from Hull KR to Hull FC, Smith has a big job ahead of him at the MKM Stadium following a few disappointing seasons under Brett Hodgson.

A ninth-place finish ended with Hodgson leaving East Yorkshire with Smith stepping in instantly.

And, in doing so, Smith will link up with Gareth Ellis – a player he coached at Leeds Rhinos as well as England.

“I’m very much excited,” Smith told the Hull FC website.

“Gaz, I’m going to put him right up there in terms of being one of the best players I’ve coached.

“He had a couple of good seasons with Wakefield before he joined us at Leeds.

“He left us to go to Australia and I think his last game for Leeds was my last one too so we might have left at the same time.

“He went on to smash it in Australia and I wasn’t surprised, he was an awesome player. He came back and played some great rugby league at this club but unfortunately I coached against him at that time.

“I loved coaching him, he was tough, he was smart and he was dedicated. He played with passion and I want to help him instil that in our players so I will help to get some of that out.

“I like developing coaches, I’ve been nurtured and encourage throughout my career and I will help him develop.”

It is brilliant news for Hull fans who already cannot wait for 2023 following the major appointment of Smith.

Smith’s arrival, along with new signings in the shape of Castleford Tigers’ Jake Trueman, Newcastle Knights halfback Tex Hoy and Leeds Rhinos pair Brad Dwyer and Liam Sutcliffe, will usher in a new era at the MKM Stadium – and their supporters are on the edge of their seats.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Must See

More in Super League