TEX ON SAME WAVELENGTH
Hull import Hoy will make splash like surf-champ dad but reveals: ‘He tried to get me on board... I didn’t like it!’
HIS dad was a champion surfer, and league legend Andrew ‘Joey’ Johns remains a huge family friend.
But Tex Hoy is out to make his own name with Hull FC.
The Australian fullback, 23, has arrived from NRL club Newcastle Knights ahead of the new Betfred Super League season.
Stuck behind “freaky” Queensland State of Origin superstar Kalyn Ponga at Newcastle, he wants to nail the No.1 spot for the Black and Whites.
Admittedly, the Humber Estuary’s a far cry from the New South Wales beaches Hoy grew up on.
Dad Matt Hoy was ranked No.5 surfer in the world in 1997, but his son didn’t fancy pursuing that wild and crazy path.
Hoy recalled: “My dad never really pushed me into surfing – he did try when I was young, but going to Joey’s house where they I didn’t like it. had a pool and I’d hang out
“Once I was into this, he was there. I grew up with Matty’s right behind me. He’s a big sons – Jack and Cooper – and supporter of mine and a big fan was very close to them. of the game. “Joey gave me little tips and
“As a kid, he always told me he’s always been good.” that he’d won eight Hoy knows he
‘Once I was into
Grand Finals rugby league, my has big boots to fill straight, but I’ve dad was right at Hull. seen him try to behind me’ He replaces pass a football – maverick Great and he’s horrendous.” B r i t a i n star Jake Connor,
However, Hoy’s dad is best who last term came up with a mates with former scrum-half competition-best 33 try assists, ‘Joey’ Johns, the Australian before making a surprise switch Immortal, who famously to Huddersfield. inspired Newcastle to 1997 Hoy explained: “I came over Grand Final success.
The Kangaroos legend is widely regarded as one of the sport’s greatest-ever players.
Hoy added: “Dad grew up in a more crazy era where there was less social-media.
“He was a big name in
Newcastle surfing and
Matty – and Andrew –
Johns were big names there in rugby league, so they all ended up hanging out together.
“I always remember here to play full-back week in, week out. That’s one of the big reasons.
“Jake Connor was Hull’s go-to guy to get points on the board and set up others as well. But we’re different players.
“He’s very skilful and can throw a pass and hit the money every time, whereas I’d probably use my running game a little more than he does.
“He’s a bit bigger than me and slower. That’s not taking away from his skill, I’m just more of a runner.”
Hull kick-off against Castleford in a fortnight’s time, but visit Wakefield today in their latest warm-up game.
That gives Hoy another chance to get up to speed.
He added: “When I was watching Jake, I felt his first thought was to get the ball on the chest of whoever.
“Whereas I’ll be thinking I need to beat a certain guy to set up the likes of Darnell McIntosh and Adam Swift.
“Now it’s just about getting used to working those combinations.
“I’m enjoying it here and I’m looking forward to doing that.”