A top quality stand-off is high on wish list of new Hull FC coach Brett Hodgson

INCOMING Hull FC head coach Brett Hodgson says the club will “scour” the world for a top-class stand-off and he envisages Jake Connor playing full-back in 2021.
By Dave Craven
Published 27th Nov 2020, 06:00 BST

The former New South Wales State of Origin star has been appointed on a three-year deal and yesterday outlined his plans via a Zoom call from Australia.

Hull finished sixth this season despite some heavy investment from owner Adam Pearson.

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Hodgson, who could fly in as early as next week after leaving his role as Wests Tigers assistant, has already identified which positions need strengthening.

He said: “There’s probably a shortage in the halves that we’re trying to scour both sides of the world to see if we can come up with quality there.

“So, five-eighth (stand-off) in particular. We probably need another middle forward and an outside back that can help add just a little bit more.

“The squad in general is very capable of performing as you saw this year getting into that Grand Final qualifier. I’m confident we can improve with the squad we have but I definitely feel we need to add in key positions.”

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Stand-off Albert Kelly has headed home to try and win a contract with Brisbane Broncos but England centre Connor has long harboured hopes of making that Hull No6 jersey his own.

On the hunt: Hull FC's new coach Brett Hodgson is look for a new stand-off to build the team around. Picture: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.On the hunt: Hull FC's new coach Brett Hodgson is look for a new stand-off to build the team around. Picture: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.
On the hunt: Hull FC's new coach Brett Hodgson is look for a new stand-off to build the team around. Picture: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.

Nevertheless, he also impressed at full-back following Jamie Shaul’s major knee injury.

Asked what his best position is, Hodgson - who won the 2009 Man of Steel as Huddersfield Giants’ full-back - said: “That will be a conversation that Jake and I will have when the time is right.

“What I do feel is that he has gone very well in the last six weeks and that is at full-back.

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“I spent some time with Jamie Shaul and did a lot of work with him when I once did a consultancy role at Hull.

Decision: Hull's Jake Connor may have to play at full-back in the absence of Jamie Shaul. Picture: Jonathan GawthorpeDecision: Hull's Jake Connor may have to play at full-back in the absence of Jamie Shaul. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe
Decision: Hull's Jake Connor may have to play at full-back in the absence of Jamie Shaul. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

“Jamie is a quality player but unfortunately his ACL injury - not being able to perform until July or August - means we need to fill that full-back spot.

“I need to get Jake’s feelings first before any decisions are made on the matter.”

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Related topics:Brett HodgsonJake ConnorHull FCAdam PearsonAustralia