New Hull FC Director of Rugby Richie Myler Faces Tough Challenge
It’s been a baptism of fire for Richie Myler in his new role as Hull FC’s Director of Rugby. With the Airlie Birds struggling on the pitch, Myler is tasked with finding a new head coach to turn the team’s fortunes around.
Myler had previously attempted to lure Salford boss Paul Rowley to the club, but his approach was rejected, dealing a blow to FC’s coaching search. Undeterred, Myler is now casting his net further afield in search of the right candidate.
According to reports, Hull FC are targeting two English coaches currently working in the NRL – Brian McDermott, assistant coach at Newcastle Knights, and Lee Briers, assistant coach at the Brisbane Broncos. The Daily Telegraph in Australia has revealed that the Super League club’s interest in the two coaches is gaining traction.
Both McDermott and Briers possess the pedigree to take on the challenge at Hull. McDermott is the most successful head coach in Leeds Rhinos’ history, leading the team to:
- Four Super League titles
- A League Leader’s Shield
- Two Challenge Cups
- A World Club Challenge
He has also had spells in charge of London Broncos, Toronto Wolfpack, and Featherstone Rovers.
Briers, on the other hand, enjoyed a hugely successful playing career with Warrington Wolves and St Helens before transitioning into coaching. He has worked as an assistant at Warrington and Wigan, and was part of the coaching team for Wigan’s 2022 Challenge Cup win. Briers joined the Brisbane Broncos for the 2023 season and is widely regarded as a highly promising young coach.
While the prospect of luring either McDermott or Briers to the MKM Stadium is an exciting one for Hull FC fans, there are differing opinions on the timing of such a move. Myler’s colleague, Jon Wilkin, believes McDermott may be in line for the head coaching job at Newcastle, and that it may be too early for Briers to take on the top role at Hull. Wilkin suggests that Justin Holbrook could be the ideal candidate to lead the team.
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