Brett Hodgson picks brains of Manchester United, Manchester City coaches and Eddie Jones before taking Hull FC job

THE Hull FC role is his first appointment as a head coach but Brett Hodgson has certainly picked the brains of plenty of others before arriving at this point.
By Dave Craven
Published 28th Nov 2020, 06:00 BST
Brett Hodgson: Will take learnings from across sport into his first head coaching role. (Picture: Getty Images)Brett Hodgson: Will take learnings from across sport into his first head coaching role. (Picture: Getty Images)
Brett Hodgson: Will take learnings from across sport into his first head coaching role. (Picture: Getty Images)

The Australian, 42, was appointed earlier this week on a three-year deal at KCOM Stadium.

He has been working as an assistant at Wests Tigers in the NRL since 2018 having initially started out as Denis Betts’ No2 with Widnes Vikings.

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And former New South Wales State of Origin star Hodgson is ready to bring all that to bear as he looks to turn Hull into a genuine Super League force.

“I have enjoyed my various roles in my coaching career so far, and have learnt a lot from some great coaches I’ve worked with, particularly over here in the NRL,” said Hodgson, who won Man of Steel when playing for Huddersfield Giants in 2009.

“I’m excited to be able to incorporate some of that into my work at the Black and Whites.

“I’ve learnt a lot from Ivan (Cleary) and then Michael (Maguire) at Wests.

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“Ivan has had some great success with the (Penrith) Panthers this season in leading them to the Grand Final, winning 17 games in row before losing that one.

Brett Hodgson of Wests Tigers farewells fans after the round 26 NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Wests Tigers held at Skilled Stadium on September 7, 2008 in Robina, Australia. (Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)Brett Hodgson of Wests Tigers farewells fans after the round 26 NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Wests Tigers held at Skilled Stadium on September 7, 2008 in Robina, Australia. (Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Brett Hodgson of Wests Tigers farewells fans after the round 26 NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Wests Tigers held at Skilled Stadium on September 7, 2008 in Robina, Australia. (Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

“But the manner in which he coaches and the ability to break down a game were second to none.

“Maguire is a Super League winner with Wigan before winning the NRL with South Sydney too. What I’ve learnt on and off the field from both of them is paramount to myself as a coach, and I hope to implement some of that in my time in Hull.”

However, the former Parramatta Eels star has not just limited his learning to rugby league.

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“Getting out and learning from different organisations is really helpful, whether that be football, rugby union, or whatever else,” added Hodgson, who also won the Lance Todd Trophy when lifting the Challenge Cup with Warrington Wolves.

“I have been fortunate enough to spend time at Manchester United, Manchester City, and Everton in the Premier League, and union side Clermont Auvergne in France.

“It’s great to see how other coaches deliver their messages, and knit different cultures together, which I know we have at Hull with a few overseas players.

“I also spent time with Eddie Jones in the England rugby union camp, and again saw the way he interacted with his players.

“I picked up plenty from him and you can see the success they’re having at the moment.”

Related topics:Brett HodgsonEddie JonesHull FCManchester UnitedManchester CityNRLHull

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