Rugby League Turmoil at Hull FC: Coaching Changes Fail to Resolve Deeper Issues
According to Sky Sports pundit Jon Wilkin, Hull FC are “drifting like an empty crisp packet across a car park” following the sacking of head coach Tony Smith. The club’s disastrous start to the 2023 season, with just 10 wins from 27 games last year and 6 losses in 7 Super League matches so far, has led to Smith’s dismissal.
However, Wilkin does not believe the problem lies solely with the coaching staff. The former St Helens star argues that Hull FC’s lack of financial backing and ambition are the root causes of their struggles to compete with the league’s top clubs.
“There’s a mismatch between how Hull FC supporters and rugby league fans generally view them as a big club – and how Hull FC actually perceive themselves,” Wilkin told Love Rugby League. “Financially, that’s reflected in the playing roster and for Hull FC it’s not necessarily a coaching problem.”
Wilkin points to the successful tenures of previous coaches like Tony Smith, whose record “speaks for itself,” and suggests that a change in the coaching staff may provide a temporary boost but will not address the underlying issues. Instead, the pundit believes Hull FC need a “substantial backer and a serious level of support” to bankroll a competitive team capable of winning trophies.
The contrast with Hull’s cross-town rivals, Hull KR, is stark. Wilkin highlights the club’s strong ownership structure and the emergence of homegrown talents like Mikey Lewis, which have allowed them to thrive. In contrast, Hull FC have struggled to nurture their own players, relying on a “transient” roster of signings.
With Hull FC unlikely to make the playoffs this season, Wilkin suggests the club should use the remainder of the year to develop their young prospects, such as the “really exciting” Jack Charles, as the current approach is clearly not working.
The article also touches on the ongoing financial situation at Hull FC, with owner Adam Pearson recently disputing reports about the club’s salary cap spending. Pearson has acknowledged the need for fresh investment, and Wilkin believes this may be the path forward for the struggling Super League side.
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