There is plenty left in Tom Briscoe’s tank, he’s done a good job at Leigh
GRIX DISCUSSES WHAT BENEFITS VETERAN WILL BRING TO BLACK AND WHITES
Simon Grix is excited to bring a ‘winner’ in Tom Briscoe back into the Hull FC environment. The Black and Whites have signed the former crowd favourite on an 18-month contract, with the 34-year-old arriving from Leigh Leopards in a deal that sees Darnell Mcintosh go the other way.
The interim Hull coach is tipping Briscoe to add some significant experience to the club, having made 147 appearances between 2008 and 2013, scoring 90 tries, with his professionalism and ability to help develop younger players in the squad also pointed out.
Grix also sees no issues with his age, with more and more players playing well into their 30s and still having an impact, none more so than Ryan Hall, with Briscoe backed to have a positive impact at the place where he broke onto the Super League scene 16 years ago.
Grix said: “Richie (Myler, Director of Rugby) has got an eye on the now and on the future. He’s having conversations, and Tom’s name has come up. I think he can be a real positive for us, not only now but next season as well.
“He’s very experienced, he’s a winner, and he trains at a very high standard. Part of our growth and making ourselves better will involve bringing in some experienced players, and Tom fits the bill.
“We’re really happy to get him on board. We’ve got a couple of young wingers there in Harvey Barron and Lewis Martin; even Liam Tindall is in the early stages of his career, and Tom’s knowledge and his habits can really rub off on those lads.
“That experience is the big thing. His body isn’t in too bad order. The age thing always comes up now, but realistically, a lot of players are playing longer now. It’s not how it used to be; sports science has allowed us to look after people and let them prolong their careers.
“There’s still plenty left in the tank and he’s done a good job in recent times at Leigh, so there are no concerns on that front.”
However, Briscoe will have to wait for his second Hull debut, with the winger making sure his calf is in tiptop condition before making a comeback. Briscoe suffered the injury at St Helens earlier this season but is expected to feature at Warrington Wolves next week.
“This week is too soon, but I’d imagine he’d be completing everything next week and putting himself up for selection,” Grix explained. “We knew Tom was getting over an injury. It’s an opportunity for someone else to have a go this week, and then he goes in the mix next week.”
Grix also explained why Hull FC have dipped into the loan market again, with Ed Chamberlain acquired from Leigh and Yusuf Aydin from Hull KR, with both players going straight into the side.
“Ed can play centre and back row, and again, he’s experienced,” Grix said. “He’s played against men, and as much as I’m all for playing the young kids, I thought they did a great job last week, but playing so many at the same time is not exactly making it a great experience for them. It’s a tough ask at the moment, where our confidence is, so playing so many isn’t the smartest thing to do every week.
“Bringing a fresh face in Ed is great, and Yusuf ties directly into that. He’s got a bit more on the board than our young lads, and he’s chomping at the bit to make an impression for us. He has come in with a good attitude, and he’s ripped into training. He’s been as I expected, given what I’d heard about him. He’s a good young kid. He’s like Ed; they’ve still got a bit to prove. If you’re not playing for your team and you go out on loan, there’s a reason. It’s not always cut and dry, but they’ve got a point to prove, and that could be good for us. They’ll both be in the squad for this one. They’ll be playing. They’ve had a good couple of sessions.”
Also commenting on Mcintosh’s exit, Grix added: “I’ve only been here a short time, and Darnell has been a good servant to the club, but that’s sport, and it happens. An opportunity has arisen for Darnell, so we wish him all the best.
“Richie has a lot of decisions to make with people who are offcontract. That’s the call on it, and we move forward.”