Smith reveals reasons for Kane’s exit from FC
TONY Smith has revealed the reasons for Kane Evans’ departure.
Leaving Hull FC by mutual consent this month, the prop forward was released from the remainder of his contract with a settlement fee agreed upon.
Evans played 23 times for Hull, six of which came under Smith, who cited niggly injuries, form, and personal reasons as factors for the decision.
However, Smith also paid tribute to the Fijian frontrower, who always conducted himself well and was a fun and positive influence on the squad.
“There were a number of reasons and circumstances for Kane,” Smith explained. “I loved him as a person, and I was very close to him. It was one of the hardest decisions that I’ve had to make.
“It wasn’t done without a whole lot of thought and consideration.
“Kane is probably in the twilight of his career, and he’s had some injuries during his career and during his time here.
“He’s been nursing some things and hoping to play well with those injuries. Sometimes you can, and sometimes you can’t.
“That’s along with, and while not going too much into it, his family has had some health issues and some concerns, and being a young bachelor over here on his own, I can only imagine how that must be and feel in terms of dealing with it.”
Injuries were one thing, but Smith really sympathised with Evans’ situation, who moved across to Hull and lived in the city on his own while his family was doing it tough back in Australia.
“When you’re away from your parents and your family, there are concerns there,” Smith added. “It must play on your mind.
“Kane has had a whole lot of things to contend with. He was honest with me and understood the whole reasoning and rationale. It’s hard to know when it’s time, but we talked that through, and he was exceptional with it.
“Some people may take that the wrong way but it hurt him. It hurts his pride and he would have loved to have done better for the badge. I know that, both for himself and his teammates in particular.
“He just wasn’t able to find that. There are just some of the decisions that I’ve got to come up with, and Kane appreciated that decision and respected it as well.”