Ben McNamara has provided insight into his first pre-season with the Black & White first-team, and says he is already forming a strong partnership with fellow pivot Josh Reynolds.
The 19-year old broke onto the scene in 2020, being called up to train with the senior squad when training resumed in July, before going on to make four appearances in October, including a try-scoring debut against Castleford, and stating against Hull KR in the Hull Derby.
But the former South Sydney youth player and product of the Hull FC Academy says the intensity of training alongside the first-team squad in the pre-season environment is much higher than he has previously experienced.
Speaking to hullfc.com, he said: “It’s been really tough, and a different level to what I’ve trained at before but I can feel myself improving every week. In such a high standard environment with all the other lads, it is helping everyone push each other.
“It’s a massive step-up from academy level, there isn’t much of a comparison between the two. It is a bit of a shock to the system at first but that is good because it grounds you.
“I think the fact that it is so hard makes you more confident going into the start of the season because you know you have put the work in; whereas maybe last season i wasn’t too sure id I’d been training to the standard of everyone else with me coming into the squad later in the season.”
Reflecting on his debut campaign with the Black & Whites, he added: “Last season has given me some real confidence going into the new campaign.
“I’m really grateful for those opportunities I got back in October because it means I’m not quite a bit further ahead in terms of my development as to where I would have been at this stage. I know now that I am able to perform at that level and train to the intensity of the rest of the squad.”
McNamara also commented on the arrival of new head coach Brett Hodgson, and explained that he is already making his mark.
“Brett is very detailed in everything he does, which is something that I like.
“He played in a similar position to me and it is good to learn from someone like that and pick his brains. He also has very high standard which will hold in good stead going into the season, just trying to maintain those standards and keep everyone at the top of their game.
“It is hard to say what the future holds as we saw last year, but my big aim is to prove to Brett that I am a reliable option at half-back and the standard of the squad won’t drop when I come into the side and fill in a gap. I’m not looking too far ahead and just worrying about what’s best for me week to week.”
Meanwhile, McNamara is also benefitting from the additional of fellow half-back Josh Reynolds to the squad, and says he is already forming a good relationship with the former Origin star.
“I’ve spent quite a lot of time with Josh – it’s great having him around and he’s a really good guy too; we’ve had plenty of good chats, not just about rugby, and when we’re on the field we link up really well together. And when we are on opposing teams in training, it’s great to go up against an opposition of that calibre. It is great to train with someone of that standard.
“You can tell why he has played State of Origin before. He is very slick on the ball and the pedigree of player he is comes across on the field. I’ve watched him a lot growing up and seen him play in the NRL – I looked up to him a bit so it is really exciting to have him in the squad.”
With Reynolds having praised McNamara for his efforts on the training field in recent weeks, he added: “It is really humbling to hear that and I’m just glad I’ve made a good impression to him. Hopefully we can continuing to build that strong relationship and that will benefit us on the field.”
McNamara also heaped praise on his former Academy teammates who are currently training with the first-team squad, adding: “It has lifted everyone’s spirits having those boys around, adding in some fresh faces, all of which are really eager to learn and develop their game.
“They have fitted in really well and that is a real credit to all of them having been out of the game for the best part of a year. I’ve got some good mates in that group so it is good to have them around.
“They’ve all got their own strengths and they’re all great young players with some real potential. Jacob Hookem is someone who plays in the same position as me so we work together a lot; he is unbelievably fit and has a great skillset on him, Will Wallis is incredibly strong and a great ball-carrier. They all deserve credit for their application over the last few weeks.”
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