Ethan Ryan has 'smile back' working with English coach after Australian methods at Hull KR

Former Hull Kingston Rovers back Ethan Ryan has commented that he is "finally playing rugby with a smile back" working with an English coach after being under Australians.

Ryan was a Hull KR player from 2020 to 2023, playing under Australian head coaches Tony Smith and Willie Peters. The player joined Salford Red Devils, led by their English coach Paul Rowley, this year.

In a review of this season, Ryan told Salford Red Devils official media: "I haven't had an English coach for a while. The past few years I've had Australian coaches, so it was a little bit different to what I've been used to, particularly during my time in Super League.

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"But I'm happy to say I’m finally playing rugby with a smile back on my face.

"He has a lot of trust in us as players and everybody is sort of on the same page here and I've really enjoyed my time under him in my first year."

Ryan made 22 appearances in 2024, scoring six tries and providing five try assists. Speaking generally about his efforts, he also said: "I pride myself on the little efforts that probably go unnoticed sometimes.

“Obviously I can play wing, fullback, so I can add a lot in attack – try scoring and that sort of ability.

“But I think just the little one percenters and helping out the team in little ways that I can all over the field – that’s what you’ll notice from me.”

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