Hodgson is the new Hull fc coach
EX-WARRINGTON FULL-BACK JOINS FROM NRL
HULL FC have appointed Brett Hodgson as their new permanent head coach.
Hodgson joins the club from NRL club Wests Tigers, where he worked as an assistant coach and head coach of the club’s feeder team Western Suburb Magpies.
The former Huddersfield Giants and Warrington Wolves’ full-back is highly regarded Down Under and impressed during his four years in the Tigers’ coaching ranks, where he won a NRL Grand Final as a player.
The 42-year-old has also spent time on the coaching team at Widnes Vikings and indeed at the KCOM Stadium for a brief stint where he mentored current FC number one Jamie Shaul.
Hodgson will make the journey to East Yorkshire in December and immediately begin putting a pre-season programme together in time for when training starts in January, when he will see his players on the training field for the first time.
“I’m very excited,” Hodgson told the club website. “I spent nine years over in England playing in Super League and then moving into coaching, with one of those years as a consultant at Hull FC, so I know some of the people at the club already.
“It is a fantastic club with real pedigree and ambition, so I’m excited to be heading back and hopefully helping such a prestigious club to achieve some success.
“To come back to Super League where I spent a large chunk of my career and join a high-profile side was too good to turn down - I really enjoy the style of football over there.
“Hull demands success, and that’s what I’m about. With the staff and players we have, and the support of the great fans there, I’m really excited about what we can achieve together over the next couple of years.
“I have had opportunities at other clubs but have been waiting for the right option, but with the experience of the club and Super League previously, Hull FC is just a too good opportunity to turn down.
“There are some areas of the team we can strengthen, but on the whole I think that the squad is good and we have some real depth, with some very exciting players I’m looking forward to working with.
“Hull FC have probably the most passionate fan base in the game, and we’re hoping to have some real success for them.”
The club have confirmed Hodgson will have Kieron Purtill and the recently retired Gareth Ellis working under him as assistants, while Andy Last has stepped down and will be offered a role elsewhere in the club.