Hull FC explain reason behind shock Nu Brown release

It was announced earlier that Hull FC had released both Tex Hoy and Nu Brown in the aftermath of yesterday’s sacking of Tony Smith, marking a serious reset for the Black and Whites.

Tony Smith had been hired on what was described as a five-year plan with full-back Tex Hoy arriving alongside fellow Newcastle Knights’ playmaker Jake Clifford prior to the 2023 season, the Aussie pair earmarked as the building blocks for the club’s spine for at least two seasons.

Clifford exited at the end of the 2023 season to return down under to play in the New South Wales Cup, slamming the club’s pre-season work and labelling it a “piece of piss” after arriving back home, whilst Hoy has now been released seven games into his second season.

As for Brown, he was brought in ahead of the 2024 season but was strangely recruited to play in the halves despite having just won the Pacific Championships as New Zealand’s starting hooker.

Instead, Hull FC opted to retain Danny Houghton and hand him the number nine shirt which was a decision that both confused and frustrated fans and potentially Brown himself given his pedigree at the position.

He now exits alongside Hoy as confirmed by the club but there’s been an explanation for Brown’s exit. In their statement, Hull FC stated: “Brown, who was off contract at the end of the season, has requested to return home to be closer to family on compassionate grounds.”

It’s unclear what the compassionate grounds may be but all at Serious About Rugby League send Brown thoughts at this time, whilst both men are also wished all the best for the future. Two incredible talents who simply landed in a terrible situation.

Hull FC hitting the ‘restart’ button?

It has been somewhat expected that Tex Hoy was on his way out after being subbed against Huddersfield Giants, something that Tony Smith confirmed wasn’t due to injury but was instead a tactical decision.

He had explained that both Hoy and Jayden Okunbor, also hauled off, were fit to return and it seemed that at the start of this week, the rumour of Hoy exiting began with the full-back unfollowing the club on social media and his father publicly criticising Tony Smith.

Brown was far more of a shock with rumours only emerging last night in the aftermath of Smith’s sacking that had happened earlier that day.

The loss of three of the club’s key pieces in their starting full-back, starting seven/nine and the head coach suggests that Hull FC are firmly hitting the restart button.

Their announcement confirming Smith’s sacking read: “Hull FC can confirm that Head Coach Tony Smith has left the club by mutual consent.

“He leaves the club after 18 months in charge of the first-team squad.

“Stanley Gene will also depart his role as Assistant Coach.

“Assistant Coach Simon Grix and Head of Emerging Talent Francis Cummins will take charge of the first team on an interim base.”

Chairman Adam Pearson spoke of the “disappointing” nature of Smith’s tenure as well.