Richie Myler addresses Hull FC professionalism as new signing traits singled out

Richie Myler believes there is nothing revolutionary about Hull FC's pre-season to date. However, the club's director of rugby has conceded operations are now more what a professional rugby league club is supposed to look like.

The squad is benefiting from a finished club hub at their university training ground this winter, which has brought the group together in terms of meal and social times but also in terms of having their own changing facilities and space for all equipment, supplements, and the like, helping mood and attitude as well as performance.

The general consensus is that it just looks more professional, with the squad not scattered around the site, like has been the case over the last two years. Tidying up the general day-to-day of it, Hull are seeing the rewards with training longer and more intense, creating a good vibe around camp.

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In Myler's view, that more professional environment also takes away excuses, with the 34-year-old knowing exactly what modern-day players require having only hung his own boots up several months ago. It also transcends into staff, with each member given a specific role and not having multiple areas of focus, something that is getting the best out of every individual.

"We're still a bit off where we want to get to, but it now looks like an organisation that I thought I was walking into," Myler, speaking to Hull Live, said. "I don't think there's anything too exciting going on at the moment; it's not all bells and whistles with all high-spec tech; it's not like that; it just looks how you would expect a professional rugby league team to look.

"Andy Last said it the other day; everyone is saying it's great what we've got, but this is exactly what and how it should be. We're almost resetting the button and putting it back to what it should be, but by doing that, we're giving away the chance for anyone to use excuses, and we're letting people do their jobs properly.

"That's the biggest thing for me. We're not understaffed so that people aren't doing multiple roles; everyone has a clearly defined role with clear objectives. That means we can all deliver our bit well. That's the biggest change that has happened since the start of pre-season."

Hull have now seen every signing report to training after Jordan Rapana's arrival in the country last week. The club's new full-back trained for the first time on Monday, with John Asiata also showing his face early despite being given extra time off to recover from international duty.

Elsewhere, the likes of Jordan Abdull, Aidan Sezer, Zak Hardaker, Amir Bourouh, Ed Chamberlain, and Cade Cust have all been training with Oliver Holmes also in the picture. The 32-year-old, in the view of Myler, is one to watch next year, bringing the required leadership and toughness to the group.

"We've got players now where even if they've got knocks, they'll still play, which is a big thing," Myler added. "Those types of players are tough, and they know how to get on the field.

"Ollie Holmes is exactly that. He is a very seasoned pro, and he's also really tough. I'm looking forward to seeing him play. He will be invaluable for us as a group, and his leadership qualities will be great. His experience and the way he will bring people on, I'm really excited to see what he will add to this team."

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