Brett Hodgson has looked ahead to his first fixture as Hull FC head coach this evening as the Black & Whites take on York, and explained he is looking forward to seeing the efforts of pre-season put into action.
The Airlie Birds make the short trip to North Yorkshire to face James Ford’s Betfred Championship side in the first ever Rugby League match at the new LNER Community Stadium.
Despite the game being a friendly clash, Hodgson is hoping to field his strongest side possible in his opening match as the club’s head coach.
Speaking to hullfc.com, Hodgson said: “I’m really pleased with what the squad have shown so far in pre-season, so it will be interesting to see them go out there and show they have learned the new defensive systems we have put in place, and see how we compete in a genuine fixture.
“I’m looking forward to it and I know the players are itching to get out there too.”
He added: “I’m looking to see high effort levels – that’s what we’ve strived for all the way through pre-season, and really value the things that the supporters maybe don’t necessarily see. We have done a lot of work in terms of fitness levels too.”
Speaking of his own excitement ahead of the game, he continued: “I’ve really enjoyed the step up to the head coach role, but in this position, you don’t do everything yourself; I have some great staff around me, including Kieron Purtill and Gareth Ellis who have done a wonderful job, as well as Paul Hatton and the S&C team.
“I’m excited – like everyone, the last weeks of pre-season is difficult as your just want to get to the games.
“We feel the squad is in a really strong position after nine weeks of pre-season to give ourselves a chance of competing early in the season. Now it’s just a case of finalising our preparations ahead of the round one game, including playing against a high-quality Championship team in York at a great venue.”
And Hodgson explained he is hoping to field a strong Black & White side, but will be without a handful of first-team players with minor knocks.
“We’re putting out our strongest team, apart from just a few boys who are a little bit underdone. We haven’t got any real injury concerns, a few players are just a little bit underdone; Scott Taylor has small niggle but he will be okay for round one.
“Masi Matongo got a hand injury about six weeks ago so he is still a week away from full-fitness, and Jordan Johnstone has an issue with his knee, but again, he will be okay for the first game of the season.”
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