Simon Grix names potential candidate for Hull FC head coach job

Simon Grix has only been in the role for a short period but it has been a difficult spell as interim head coach of Hull FC. Grix, who joined the club at the end of the 2023 season, took over on a temporary basis when Tony Smith departed the club.

Grix’s only game in charge, so far, was FC’s 58-0 defeat away at St Helens. The departures of Tex Hoy and Nu Brown have left him with a young squad, lacking experience in key positions.

Grix now has to lift his side for Sunday’s visit of Leeds Rhinos in Super League. However, it seems unlikely that he is in contention for the job on a full-time basis. Hull are actively searching for a successor, with Salford Head Coach, Paul Rowley, rejecting their approach.

Briers would be an asset to Hull FC

Now, the Airlie Birds are interested in appointing Lee Briers as their head coach, according to reports in Australia. Briers, currently an assistant coach in the NRL with Brisbane Broncos, would bring a wealth of experience to the role.

Briers has experience of some of the best environments in Rugby League and interim coach Grix believes that this makes him an ideal candidate for the role at Hull.

“Briersy has been in some great environments, in his latest role at Brisbane,” Grix stated.

“They had a really successful year, and he’s been in and around some good players and obviously a great coaching staff there.

According to Grix, who named Briers as one of the best players he had ever played with, that experience can only help turn things around at Hull FC.

“He’s got a wealth of experience. Definitely the best player I ever played with in terms of his understanding of the game and knowing what was going on.

“I’m sure he must be showing that ability; otherwise, he wouldn’t be where he is. If he can transfer that to his coaching, he’s going to be an asset to anyone.”

Return to England will tempt Briers

Grix also believes that Briers will want to return to his native England. He thinks that the call of home could see Briers swap the west coast of Australia for the east coast of England.

“Whether he ends up here or not, I have got no idea. As I said, that’s for someone else to talk about, but there’d be worse blokes than Briersy I reckon.

“I imagine he’ll be pretty happy over there, but he’s English, and England will always be home won’t it, so there will always be a draw back to here in some way shape or form. Whether that’s Hull at the moment, I don’t know, but again, time will reveal all.”