Sky Sports Pundit Paints Bleak Picture of Hull FC’s Struggles
Sky Sports pundit Jon Wilkin paints a bleak picture of Hull FC’s current struggles, describing the club as “drifting like an empty crisp packet across a car park” following the sacking of head coach Tony Smith. Smith was dismissed on Thursday after the Black and Whites’ disastrous start to the 2023 season, winning just 10 of their 27 games last year to finish 10th and losing six of their seven Super League fixtures so far this campaign.
However, Wilkin does not believe Smith, one of the most respected and successful coaches in Super League history, is the root of the problem. The former St Helens star suggests that Hull FC’s lack of financial muscle and ambition is the primary factor hindering their competitiveness within the top-flight competition.
“There’s a mismatch between how Hull FC supporters and rugby league fans generally view them as a big club – and how Hull FC actually perceive themselves,” Wilkin told Love Rugby League. “Financially, that’s reflected in the playing roster and for Hull FC it’s not necessarily a coaching problem.”
The pundit argues that until Hull FC secures substantial backing and resources to build a squad capable of challenging for silverware, they will continue to struggle, regardless of who is in charge. He notes that the current squad does not appear to be spending up to the salary cap, unlike other successful clubs with wealthy backers.
Hull KR Prospects Praised
Across the city, Wilkin is more optimistic about the ambition and prospects of Hull KR, who he believes are “ripe to win a piece of major silverware.” The pundit praises the Robins’ focus on nurturing homegrown talent, such as Mikey Lewis, as opposed to Hull FC’s reliance on a “transient” playing squad.
Developing Young Players
With Hull FC seemingly out of the playoff picture this season, Wilkin suggests the club should use the remainder of the year to develop and provide opportunities to young players, as their current approach is clearly not working.
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