Revealed: The real reason behind Super League star’s big move

Hull FC, like Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and Super League and World Champions St Helens, are a big club but need to find a way of delivering more frequently on the lofty expectations around the club.

That’s where Tony Smith comes in. The former Huddersfield Giants, Leeds, Warrington and Hull KR boss is perhaps Super League’s greatest coach.

He has led a team to Old Trafford six times winning two titles in 2004 and 2007 with Leeds Rhinos.

He is the only coach to take two different clubs to Old Trafford and Hull fans will be hoping he can do the same for them.

Part of a rebuild is always recruitment and retention but Leeds are set to lose a number of stars including Adam Swift.

Speaking on BBC Radio Humberside, Paul Cooke explained why Adam Swift is headed to Huddersfield Giants:

“Adam Swift’s a different kettle of fish because he’s going back towards where he lives. We’re out on a limb a little bit, we’re out 60 miles from the nearest, or 45 miles from the nearest club in Castleford, you know and it’s a long way for them to go.”

He did explain why it shouldn’t be all doom and gloom however:

“So what I will say is don’t panic on recruitment or retention. I think they’ve done some retention deals already in terms of Joe Cater, Brad Fash, to mention a couple.

“I think they’ve got a deal done for Jack Ashworth already and that won’t be announced or hasn’t been announced as yet. I think Liam Tindall’s done his deal. He hasn’t been announced but he’s done from Leeds. He’ll be done and the other recruitment that they will do, there will be no panic within him and it’ll be announced when Tony wants to tell you. It’s as simple as that.”

He also addressed the rumour linking them with former Huddersfield Giants hooker Danny Levi:

“We mentioned it right at the beginning of the season. 20 players off contract. Three of the better players, and Brad Dwyer is another one who’s going back that way.

“But the club will make signings and they will retain other players that want to return on contract for next year I know there’s rumors of Danny Levi, the former Huddersfield man, that the club are having a look at him.

Leeds are also interested in him but some reports have suggested he could stay in Australia.

Hull FC have been linked with a number of signings over the season but they are yet to make some key decisions on their current stars such as Andre Savelio.

It was reported that Tony Smith is impressed by the second-row but that other clubs are also interested in offering him a contract for 2024 and beyond.