‘He said no because…’ – Richie Myler reveals why Paul Rowley turned down Hull FC job

In Greek mythology, Sisyphus was doomed to push a boulder up a hill, only for it to roll back down again, for eternity. Richie Myler may have a similar task in securing the next Hull FC head coach.

Several high-profile names have been linked, from NRL Assistant Coaches, such as Lee Briers and Brian McDermott, through to less obvious candidates, such as Matt Adamson.

Adrian Lam is the current name on everyone’s lips. However, he has been non-committal on links suggesting he will leave the Leigh Leopards for West Hull.

The closest Myler came to an appointment was Salford Red Devils‘ coach, Paul Rowley. FC’s very public courtship appeared to be reaching a conclusion before Rowley made a statement turning FC down.

Speaking in an earlier press conference, Myler has revealed the reason Rowley turned down the job.

Myler reveals why Rowley turned down Hull FC

Myler stated that he has had many conversations with people who were interested in taking on the Hull job. However, none of them have come as close to taking the job as Rowley. In the end, it was logistics and proximity to family which scuppered the deal.

“We’ve only formally put an offer to one coach. I’ve had lots of discussions with people who think they can come and help but we got pretty close with Paul, Paul’s been very public with that.” Myler said.

“It was almost a deal done, the logistics of the travel and how that would work were always going to be a factor and that was a process we needed to work through. Ultimately that’s his prerogative he decided not to do it for family reasons.

“We were pretty adamant that we had a guy who would give us what we were looking for. That’s not worked out, so we’ll take stock and go again. We’re in that process of looking at what will add to this environment because over the last period of time, we’ve not got that right.”

Myler open to appointment for next season

Former Halifax Panthers head coach, Simon Grix, is currently in interim charge at Hull. Grix is yet to win a match as FC head coach, however, the side have shown an improvement under his leadership. Myler has confirmed today that Grix is in the running to take on the job permanently. When asked whether FC are looking for someone to start immediately, or from the start of next season, Myler confirmed both options are on the table.

“Both options are viable at the moment,” he said.

“We’re going through a process; it’s not going to be a quick process; it’s going to be about who’s going to be the right fit and add to our environment. Ideally, we’d like to get it sorted; that’s why I was adamant about getting Paul Rowley and getting a head coach as a starting point, so that process of recruitment could be done collectively hand in hand with a head coach.

“In the meantime, the process is ongoing. We won’t rush to a decision.”