Yusuf Aydin believes John Cartwright’s calm approach is getting the best out of Hull FC’s players this pre-season. The Black and Whites are into week five of training, with the forward labeling the club’s new head coach as ‘patient’ and ‘straight to the point.’

And as Hull get ready to right the wrongs of last season, it’s that approach that is getting a tune of a new-look squad, with cohesion and understandings building up at the University of Hull training ground.

For Aydin, who joined Hull from Hull KR on a permanent deal after an initial loan spell, things are starting to click, with drills having a meaning behind them and sessions containing work on structure and shape as the countdown to the new Super League season continues.

READ MORE: Tom Davies shuts down 'Hull tax' myth as Rovers recruit stands up for new home

READ MORE: Zak Hardaker makes Hull FC promise as squad benefit from Leigh Leopards 'raid'

Speaking to Hull Live, the middle forward, who played 19 times for Hull last season, said: "He's a lot calmer than I thought he would be, John. He's very calm, and he's very patient. He gets his point across very clearly. He understands what we're doing and why we're doing it. There's a reason and a real motive behind why we do everything.

"He's straight to the point, which is what you want as a player. We're all there to do a job, work hard, and get the best out of each other. He just wants us to work hard. There are no shortcuts. It's all been really positive so far."

Aydin continued: "We have set days when we do certain stuff. There's been a lot of ball work, and it's starting to benefit us now. There's combinations building; we're doing more structured stuff in training, which is good. It's nice to see the new players working with those who were here last year.

“Fortunately for me, my job is quite straightforward and straight to the point, but for the fellas in those spine positions, getting relationships right on and off the field is crucial. It's looking good so far, but there’s a long way to go. We’ve got to keep working hard."

The first Super League side back in training, Hull have laid the groundwork, with fitness building and now combinations looking to follow suit on and off the field. But while there’s excitement in the air, there’s also a grounding, with Hull knowing everything has to continue to be centered on their motives, particularly hard work.

"We've been in early for pre-season, which is good; it’s what we needed," Aydin explained. "We've gotten to know each other both on and off the field, which is massive for us, building relationships. It's an exciting time to be playing with a bunch of new players.

"It's massive, really; this time together in training is very important for us. Off the back of last year, and none of us want to talk about that too much, we did need to come in when we did come in and get to work.

"There's a lot of things to work on and a lot of things to fix and put right, but coming in early gives us the best opportunity to do that. It's exciting to look forward now, and with this good group we've got, hopefully we can go on and have a good season."

And for Aydin personally, the goal is to kick on and cement himself in Cartwright’s side after a fine introduction to life at the club. A hard worker, the 24-year-old impressed with energy and grit, with the challenge now to get even better in 2025.

"I just want to build on that, be consistent week in and week out, and be a player that all my teammates want to play with," Aydin added. "I just want to keep putting my best foot forward and do my best for the team.

"It's very exciting. There have been a lot of changes and a lot of positives. There’s a lot of new faces and a lot of experience. It's just an exciting place to be at the moment."

Click here - Get the latest news on our Rugby League Live WhatsApp channel