Hull FC have made several new appointments to Tony Smith’s coaching staff ahead of the 2023 Betfred Super League season.
Former player Stanley Gene returns to the club as an Assistant Coach, alongside new Head of Performance Jason Davidson and experienced Head Physio Seamus McCallion.
The new-look coaching staff get to work on Monday when the first-team squad is welcomed back into pre-season training at the club’s new training base at the University of Hull.
They will be joined by an additional appointment to the medical team which will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Sports Scientist Tom Bennett and Strength & Conditioning Coach Calum Christopherson will step up into more senior positions in the new coaching setup, while Academy Physiotherapist Megan Pleasents will also link up with the first-team in 2023 after making a strong impression since joining the club.
They’re supported by long-serving Feka Paleaaesina, who continues in his role as Player Welfare Manager.
Hull FC head coach, Tony Smith, said: “I am really pleased with the calibre of person that we have been able to add to our performance staff and I am extremely grateful to the club for delivering their swift appointments.
“We are aligned in our vision for what we wanted in our performance department, and we feel we have added quality, experience and character, which will really complement the staff already here.
“I have been impressed with the work ethic and professionalism of the staff I’ve met over the last few weeks and there is already a strong chemistry amongst the staff which is very important – we’re excited to get to work and welcome the players back for pre-season training.”
Meanwhile, the club can confirm that Physiotherapist Chris John left the club in October, alongside Sports Therapist Jordan Mounsey and Video Analyst Chris O’Connor, and we would like to wish all three well in their future endeavours.
New arrivals…
Stanley Gene will join club legend Gareth Ellis and Emerging Talent coach Michael Shenton as Tony Smith’s assistant coaches in 2023, providing an experienced line-up with recent history in Super League.
Gene is well respected across the game and has worked with Smith before at Huddersfield Giants and Hull Kingston Rovers.
Having been involved in the sport for over 30 years, Gene has played and coached at the highest level, including a brief spell in charge of the Papua New Guinea international side, as well as Newcastle Thunder.
Experienced Strength & Conditioning coach Jason Davidson arrives from Leeds Rhinos where he has played his part in significant success over the last 16 years – winning seven Grand Finals, two League Leaders Shields, two World Club Challenges and three Challenge Cups.
A former player with Sheffield and Doncaster, he has worked with Smith at both Huddersfield and Leeds, whilst he has also worked with the England Rugby League national team.
Another former player completes the trio of new arrivals, with the appointment of former Ireland international Seamus McCallion as the club’s new Head Physiotherapist.
A former hooker with Leeds and Halifax, where he won the Championship and Challenge Cup, McCallion is also one of ten players to be inducted into the Ireland Rugby League Hall of Fame.
He established himself as an experienced Physiotherapist and Strength & Conditioning coach, working in a number of roles within rugby league, as well as supporting several elite athletes through his private practice established over 20 years ago.
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