Richie Myler on Elliott Whitehead signing and Hull FC’s transfer plans

[josie andrews]

Hull FC have been linked with the transfer of Elliott Whitehead

Hull FC have had a busy few weeks in the transfer market. In an attempt to turn around a disastrous start to the 2024 season, and build for 2025, they have raided several Super League rivals to bolster their squad.

FC legend, Tom Briscoe, returned to the club where he started his career. Yusuf Aydin arrived from Hull KR, with Jack Brown moving in the opposite direction.

They have also secured the signatures of John Asiata and Oliver Holmes from the Leigh Leopards for 2025, much to Derek Beaumont’s chagrin. The fall-out from the Asiata deal left Hull FC weaker, with loanee Ed Chamberlain being recalled from his loan spell by Leigh

Hull have been without a permanent head coach since Tony Smith’s departure in April. Interim head coach, Simon Grix, is still searching for his first win as FC boss.

With a crucial clash against bottom side, London Broncos, this weekend, Myler has spoken about the possibility of more signings joining Hull FC in the coming weeks and months.

Hull FC hopeful of more incoming signings

Myler has revealed that Hull remain active in the transfer market, and are hopeful of bringing in a number of new faces to bolster the squad. Helped by the large number of players off-contract at FC at the end of the season, Myler has been afforded breathing space to negotiate in the market.

“We had 15 players off-contract when I came in, so there was scope to make change in the club. We’ve got one more marquee spot that’s available and if the right person becomes available, we’re interested.

We need more experience throughout our starting 17, that’s clear. We’re asking a lot of our young players, to play a lot of minutes and have a lot of exposure. That will be good in the long run but you can’t have too much of that. We’ve got lots of scope, we’re in conversation with six or seven players we’re confident can come in and add to the group.”

Myler addresses Whitehead link

One of the players linked with Hull in recent days is Elliot Whitehead. The England International is approaching the end of his contract with the Canberra Raiders in the NRL. He had been widely expected to retire at the end of the season, however reports have suggested he may be open to playing on for one more year in Super League.

Catalans Dragons have been heavily linked, and Whitehead spent a spell there earlier in his career. However, Myler has confirmed that the Black and Whites are interested in Whitehead, should he decide to play on. Myler also confirmed he has been in touch with Whitehead, although not to discuss a move to Hull.

“No, Elliott is not one I’ve spoken to on a contract level,” Myler said.

“He touched base about an assistant coach he knew that was looking for a job who he knew, that’s as far as that went. If he wants to come back to England we’d be interested in a conversation. He’s that mould of leader and high-performing individual we’d be interested in.”

https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/richie-m ... ans-91431/

[josie andrews]

Richie Myler reveals the man in ‘pole position’ to be Hull FC head coach

Hull FC have been without a head coach since Tony Smith left the role in April. Several high profile names have been linked with the job, however, as yet, FC are yet to appoint a full-time successor to Smith.

Hull FC came close to agreeing a deal for Salford Red Devils boss, Paul Rowley, to take over. However, Rowley rejected the opportunity to move to Humberside. Names such as Brian McDermott, Lee Briers and Adrian Lam have been linked. But, from the outside, the Black and Whites appear no closer to naming a new head coach.

Now, speaking in a press conference, Richie Myler has revealed that one candidate is in pole position for the role. Myler has stated that someone within the club is potentially lined up to take on the role.

Hull FC could look close to home

Simon Grix joined Hull FC in the winter, after a successful spell as head coach of Halifax Panthers. He was appointed interim coach following Smith’s departure. In 2021, Grix guided the Panthers into the Championship play-offs, losing out to Featherstone Rovers in the semi-final.

Grix is yet to win a game in charge of FC. However, performances have improved markedly during his tenure. He has been backed with several mid-season signings. Hull FC face London Broncos this weekend, and Grix will be hoping to secure his first win in charge.

Now Director of Rugby, Myler, has revealed that Grix is in pole position to take on the head coach’s role full time.

“Grixy is in the pole position for it in the sense that he is doing the job day to day and the boys are responding really well to him,” Myler said.

Performances have improved after several 50-point defeats. In the last few weeks, you can see they have responded well to him.”

Myler will not make a rash decision

Myler wants to take the time to ensure he gets the decision right. He explained that any external candidates have to be an improvement on Grix. Myler believes Grix is working well with the players, and this is buying him the time he needs to make the right call.


“Ultimately, the question will be, is anybody going to add to what we’ve got, is anybody going to give us that little bit extra that we need? If that person is out there, then we might go down that route. However, at this current moment in time, we’ve had numerous conversations with numerous coaches, including Simon himself.

“He’s doing a tremendous job behind the scenes, and he’s working really hard for it. He sees himself as a head coach.

“There are lots of options, and as a club of Hull FC’s stature, we’ll always have them, but Grixy is definitely a candidate.

“He will be a future head coach. He did a tremendous job at Halifax, and he has that aspiration to be a head coach, but whether that’s at Hull or not at Hull, time will tell. There’s no rash decision coming from my end.”

https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/hull-fc- ... rix-91427/