Simon Grix is expecting performance levels to go up at Hull FC next season, particularly with a core of young and 'hungry' players. The Black and Whites fielded countless promising talents this year, with Hull's young players featuring for over 100 appearances combined.
Seven of those players, Lewis Martin, Will Gardiner, Jack Charles, Logan Moy, Denive Balmforth, Harvey Barron, and Zach Jebson, all featured ten times or more, while the likes of Davy Litten, Nick Staveley, Matty Laidlaw, Will Kirby, Callum Kemp, and Ryan Westerman all played their part.
Meanwhile, Grix is anticipating a bright future, and while some of those players won't be as exposed next year, they will be better prepared to come in when called upon. In terms of training, the coach, who will now move back to his assistant role ahead of John Cartwright's arrival next month, is also expecting standards to rise, with depth and competition added in nine new signings to show the ropes and increase professionalism and the like.
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Speaking to Hull Live, Grix said: "I've said it time and time again, but it is; it's tough for them to come in, but those young wingers, the full-back, Charlesy, too, have done a good job. It's been really tough for him as well and he's done well throughout it all. We've then had Kempy come in at the end and Ryan as well. There's a lot to be positive about and look forward to.
"They're not the finished article and they're not all going to be starting players next year and the majority of them won't play as many games, which will do them some good as well. They've been exposed to it now, and when they do get the opportunity, we won't have to wait six weeks for them to show some form. They'll know whats coming, they'll know what it feels like and they'll be better for it.
"That's just gameday, but off the pitch as well, we'll have a deeper squad next year to pick from, and if we can keep them fit, that will help. Training will go up a lot too, because of their hunger and desire to be first-team players now they've had a taste of it.
"There's a lot of benefits to these young lads, but we can't expect them to be the full package next year. They're still learning, and they've got a long way to go, but they've made some really big strides towards it, and hopefully they keep that hunger, develop themselves physically, and put some challenges down to the experienced players that we've recruited."
Also featuring a new Elite Talent Group, Hull will have a deep squad to choose from next season, with the reserves output also hoped to be stronger and more competitive. That will only aid the process, with the same challenge set to those coming in.
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Grix added: "Young lads, it doesn't matter where they are; they lead what's in front of them. If we can do a better job in that regard next year, that will bring them on leaps and bounds as well.
"But those new lads coming in should also know that these young lads want to play, they're not there to just to make up the numbers and hopefully they can get their training levels and their performances where they need to be to put them under the pump. Showing what they've shown this year, and if they can improve again through pre-season, I'm sure there will be no hesitation in putting them in again."
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