New Hull FC signing Tex Hoy says he hadn’t even landed in the country before he was being told all about the fire and passion of the Hull derby.
Clashes between the Airlie Birds and Hull Kingston Rovers have become one of the features of the Betfred Super League season over the last decade and a half, and full-back Hoy, who arrives at the MKM Stadium from the NRL’s Newcastle Knights, insists he is well aware of the importance of the cross-city rivalry.
“I heard that before I even came over!” he tells The Sportsman of the intensity of the local derby. “I know it’s a really big occasion for both teams, for the whole town and even the Super League get around it as well. I don’t want to lose one while I’m here, that’s my goal and hopefully we’ll be the strongest Hull team in the competition.”
The Black and Whites are looking for a bounce-back season after finishing ninth under former coach Brett Hodgson in 2022. Tony Smith has replaced the former Huddersfield Giants and Warrington Wolves full-back as coach, crossing the city divide after three years with Rovers. And Hoy has welcomed Smith’s impact on pre-season training.
“He’s very laid back compared to what I was used to back home, and he’s been good,” the 23-year-old explains. “He’s got a lot of knowledge and he’s just letting us play what we see and hopefully over the next couple of weeks we can gel and put some good performances on in the early stage of the season.”
Hoy will bring a new edge of flair to the Hull side, whether playing in a full-back or half-back role, and he says he’s looking to bring the best out of his team-mates in broken play.
“I bring a lot of direction, I think. I like getting my hands on the ball, whether that’s first, second or third receiver, just playing eyes-up footy. You’ve got to use your structure to get you places but once the structure’s gone I just like getting my hands on the ball and free running, using my speed to the best of my ability and putting other people in space and making opportunities.”
The New South Welshman has already won favour with some Hull FC fans having promised to raise his performance levels after Sunday's narrow win over Sheffield Eagles in a pre-season friendly clash.
Hull get their Betfred Super League season underway with a home fixture against Castleford Tigers and former coach Lee Radford on Saturday, February 18.
