Hull FC Part Ways with Head Coach Tony Smith Amid Dismal Start to Rugby League Season

In a move aimed at turning around their underwhelming start to the 2023 rugby league season, Hull FC have parted ways with head coach Tony Smith with immediate effect. The decision comes after the team’s dismal run of form, managing just a single win in their opening seven games and sitting second-from-bottom in the Super League table.

Smith, who had been in charge at the MKM Stadium for the past 18 months, leaves the club along with assistant coach Stanley Gene. Assistant coach Simon Grix and head of emerging talent Francis Cummins will take charge of the first team on an interim basis as Hull FC look to revive their fortunes.

The Hull FC statement, released by club chairman Adam Pearson, thanked Smith and Gene for their “contribution to the club during their time with the first team,” acknowledging their “tireless work” while stating that the decision was made as the club felt it was the “right” move at this time.

“Tony Smith, in his own comments, expressed his disappointment at being unable to “see the job through,” describing it as a “challenging project” that he had been “relishing the opportunity to see it through.” He wished the club and players well for the future.”

Hull FC’s poor start to the 2023 rugby league season has been highlighted by a string of heavy defeats, including a club-record 56-22 loss to Huddersfield Giants at the weekend. This has led to increased scrutiny on the team’s performance, with the club now sitting second-from-bottom in the Super League table on points difference, having conceded 50 points or more in three of their last four fixtures.

The search is now on for a new permanent head coach at the MKM Stadium, with the interim duo of Grix and Cummins tasked with steadying the ship in the short term as Hull FC look to climb the rugby league table and move away from the relegation zone.

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