Hullfc.com caught up with Assistant Coach Simon Grix to review his first working week with the Black & Whites.
The former Halifax Panthers Head Coach, highly rated by Tony Smith, has been down at the first-team’s training facility at the University of Hull this week, with several members of the FC squad back in for pre-season training in preparation for the 2024 campaign.
With the players put under numerous tests, there has also been the opportunity for them to head out onto the field and get some early practice with the rugby balls.
“It’s been a great first week. It’s a new group for me and there have been a lot of changes within the squad and coaching team, so it’s been nice to come into that fresh environment,” he said.
“As far as week ones of pre-season go, I think we’ve ticked all of the required boxes, which gives us the chance to keep progressing week by week.
“Tony has allowed me to take a really hands-on approach with the coaching side of things and that has helped me get to know everyone that little bit better.
“There hasn’t been too much talk from the players. It’s more been about action and getting on with things, which is the tone we want to try and set.
“Physically, they have done everything that has been asked of them by the conditioning staff. And mentally, they have all applied themselves with the right attitudes, so it’s been a really pleasing first week for us.”
There are still a handful of players to report to training, including Nu Brown, Franklin Pele, Jayden Okunbor and Herman Ese’ese, who are all scheduled to arrive from Australia and New Zealand in the coming weeks.
Pre-season training will intensify over time, as Grix explained how the next few weeks will see a specific focus on player fitness.
“Obviously we don’t have the full complement of bodies at the moment. Some are yet to return and we’re looking forward to welcoming the guys from the Southern Hemisphere.
“Between now and Christmas, it’s a case of getting the players fit. That takes priority at this stage.
“As time progresses, we’ll start working more on the rugby side of things and our combinations as the start of the season approaches.”
STORY SPONSOR
