Simon Grix, who was not selected as Hull FC’s permanent head coach, has reiterated his dedication to the team. Grix, who agreed to a two-year contract to serve as an assistant coach ahead of this season, has been leading the Black and Whites in an interim capacity for the past four games.
Although Grix was a contender for the head coach job, which John Cartwright was chosen for the 2025 season and beyond, he is now prepared to continue honing his craft under a more seasoned mentor with the hope of becoming a head coach in the future.
At his pre-game press conference, Grix responded to a question regarding his future with the team by saying, “I signed for two years, and I’ll still be here.” We’ll see how things work out in the end. I don’t expect to be going anywhere anytime soon, but the coach is over the queue and there’s a long way to go.
“My goal in coming to Hull was to work with a seasoned coach. That didn’t work out, but then again, not everything does go as planned. But, the main reason I came was the chance to work with a head coach with experience, who could help me get ready for a future in this or another position.
Observing someone up close, learning from them, and making a daily effort to improve will all be things I’ll definitely draw on during the off-season. In a short amount of time, Tony (Smith) taught me a lot, and John will teach me a lot too.”
Grix went on, “We have had those conversations, and I have a desire to be a head coach. The hands-on part is something I still really want to do, and as you get older and more senior, it becomes more about management and leadership.
“Aside from having more influence within the team, not much has changed since I took on the role of interim manager; I’m enjoying what I’m doing. Not that I’m disappointed. I’d like to work as a head coach eventually. I just need to keep doing what I’m doing because I want to stay in the game for a very long time.”
Regarding the recent hire, Grix believes Cartwright will succeed at Hull. The goal of the 58-year-old’s three-year contract, which begins in 2025, is to assemble a team of players who are “fit and hungry.”
It’s good, Grix remarked. “John has a plethora of experience, and they were right to bring in an experienced coach—I believe that was the plan from the beginning.
“A young and evolving squad will benefit from his leadership. He’s been a coach at numerous clubs and has experienced a wide range of approaches. He would have learned a lot during that trip. Brisbane is currently among the best teams in that league as well, so all those experiences and connections around the game over there will be beneficial for us.”
Grix also sees no problems with Cartwright’s extensive background as an assistant coach, even though the Australian is making his first head coaching move since departing the Gold Coast Titans in 2014.
“Coaching is coaching,” said Grix. Regardless of your position, you learn a lot just by being involved and in the vicinity of it. Having done it himself, he has gained experience and helped others carry out their duties. Whichever way you choose to interpret it, his experience is his experience. He’ll be invaluable to us.
