Simon Grix's Hull FC prediction offers hope amid period of 'tangible change'

Simon Grix is predicting a brighter Hull FC future.

Bookmark
Share
Comments

05:00, 20 SEP 2024

Hull FC have endured woeful 2024 season. (Image: SW Pix)

"Thus far, this is it," Simon Grix replied when asked if the 2024 season has been the toughest of his career to date. For Hull FC, it's also up there as one of their toughest in 129 years of rugby league history.

Rock bottom of Super League with one round to go, it's been a season of injuries, suspensions, ins, outs, changes and the like, with the results mirroring that pattern. And while some of it has been self-inflicted, the adversity faced has been unparalleled, with only the 1999 and 1963-64 seasons coming remotely close.

Fronting the club for the last five months, Grix has felt that adversity more than most. Into the first season of a two-year deal at the club, the 38-year-old, first joining as an assistant coach, a role he will revert to next season, has seen it all. A rollercoaster of emotion, it will all conclude against Catalans Dragons this Saturday afternoon, but for Grix, the only way is up.

"I don't think it will ever be this hard again," Grix, reflecting on the year, continued. "The amount of change we have week to week and the number of issues we've gone through as a good club all season—good press, bad press, all that sort of stuff—it's been as challenging as I'll hope it will ever be. We've been dealt a tough hand, and a lot has gone on in and amongst it beyond our control, but we've tried to do our best every week with what we've had."

Yet despite how tough this year has been, looking ahead, Grix is optimistic. As mentioned, he will move back to his assistant coach role next year with a new head coach, John Cartwright, coming in. Following Cartwright are nine new signings, with Grix, who has overseen the rise of some promising young players, looking forward to what's ahead.

He explained: "We will all look back on this year and see if there are any highlights or markers that suggest we should have done that differently or that. It's tough, but it's been learning nonetheless, and we need to take something out of this year, regardless of where we finish on the table.

"It's been stressful, but the tough times do pass in the end, and the good times come around, so trying to stay neutral has been a big one for me, not getting too carried away, but I won't lie, there's been plenty of nights where I've woken up in the early hours thinking. 'How are we going to change this?' Or 'How are we going to do that better?' But again, that's all part of the job, and I wouldn't change it.

"I got into coaching because I love the game and I love the rollercoaster, as sadistic as that might be, but I think we all do. You've got to experience the lows and the learning bits so you can enjoy the highs, I suppose. I've enjoyed it nonetheless, but it's not been an easy job.

"Of course, the young lads have been our spark, and seeing their developments has been the highlight of the season for me. Developing their rugby league IQ, if you like, has been good, and it puts them in a good spot for the future when they're called upon in less trying times. As I've said before, I think they'll be way better equipped to deal with it."

And despite the overexposure at times of that youth, Grix is still predicting a positive long-term effect, with experience arriving at the club to help them reach the next level, both in terms of professionalism, setting standards, and performance.

"I believe it will be different next year," Grix added. "It's conflicted at the moment. The job has been tough, but I'm looking forward to a brighter future. There is going to be tangible change from day one of pre-season. I know there's bits and bobs going on in the background of the club, off the field, and we'll see what that looks like in the coming weeks. I think we're at the absolute snakes belly now; there's where we are at the moment, but it can only get better, and it will get better."