Hodgson’s happy with start delay
TWO MORE WEEKS OF PREPARATION TIME FINE, SAYS HULL COACH
BRETT Hodgson believes changes made to the Super League season can play into Hull FC’S hands as he looks to make an immediate impact.
It was announced last week that the start of the competition has been pushed back by two weeks meaning the first game of the season will now take place on March 25.
That news was music to Hodgson’s ears, who is approaching the end of his third week with his players, with the new head coach having another fortnight to drill his side and impart his philosophy before the season gets underway.
“I think it’s a good thing in terms of allowing a little bit more time for crowds to get back into the grounds. I think that’s something we all want,” Hodgson said.
“We’re going to work hard continually, I think you need to continue to work hard but what it does is gives us another fortnight to plan and learn more about what we’re trying to achieve and our structure is designed so that we can have the boys fresh when we go into that first round and this won’t change that.
“The fact is the more genuine time you have to be able to get the boys fit to a level required at the start of the season is always beneficial, we can get another fortnight in in terms of skill development and knowing the structure of how we want to defend and provide a little bit more practice.”
Details on fixtures are yet to be decided with the original plan to play 27 games over the course of the season set to be changed.
It seems likely that clubs will now play either 23 or 25 games, with delaying Magic Weekend also on the agenda in the hope of getting as many fans as possible at St James’ Park.
Hodgson, though, insists Hull will take whatever is decided in their stride.
“I’m not so much concerned about that at this stage,” he added. “The game’s committee will get together soon and determine what the draw will look like.
“As far as we’re concerned we’ll play what is asked of us and make our adjustments at a later date.”