Super League’s full fixture list was revealed on Thursday morning but late Wednesday evening saw confirmation that Hull FC would host Hull KR on opening night, something that FC boss Tony Smith has given his full support towards.
Smith has coached on both sides of the city and has headed up multiple different Super League teams during his impressive coaching career, however he’s now labelled the Hull derby as the “biggest derby match in Super League” citing opening night as an occasion fit for such a huge clash.
Speaking on BBC Humberside about the fixture launch, he specifically highlighted that first game and explained how great it was for the sport.
Smith explained: “Isn’t it exciting for the city?” I think it’s exciting for the players, it’s exciting for the supporters and it’s great for the sport as well, the biggest derby match in Super League on the first outing. It’s something that we can all look forward to and all work towards.
“It’s starting the season with a bang. That’s great for both teams. We know how much passion goes into derby matches from both sets of players. So yeah, it’s a good challenge for us.
“They did have a terrific season just gone and now we’ve got, as I said, a lot of room for improvement and we’ll be hoping to have done that by the time the season kicks off.”
He’ll hope for a better record in the derby matches as FC boss in 2024 than in 2023, the two teams sharing one win a piece however the Black and Whites fell to an embarrassing 40-0 defeat at home to the Robins on Good Friday.
Smith has made a number of changes to his squad for the 2024 campaign, notably huge investment in the pack with plenty of NRL imports but he spoke on the changes in the coaching room that will see a turnaround in fortunes.
“Yeah, we’ve made a few changes there, a number of changes, but the other significant one is Simon Grix,” Smith stated.
“Simon has had a period of time with Halifax as head coach. I think he’s done a terrific job for Halifax. They’ve improved each year that he’s been there. He’s strong on culture, he’s strong on development of players and what they do on and off the park. And he’s lived it.
“I’ve managed to coach him and he was one of the most impressive and professional players that I coached during my time at Warrington.
“It’s been good to have him come in and have some fresh eyes and some fresh ideas and that keenness to prove and improve and pass on his knowledge. He’s been a great addition for us, but we’ve had a number of them in various parts of our staff and they’ve fitted in really well so far.”
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