Hull to benefit from strength in depth
January 31, 2012 13:59:24 UK
Hull FC half-back Richard Horne believes that the club will benefit from a newly-acquired strength in depth in 2012.
The Airlie Birds finished 8th in 2011 and were eliminated from the play-offs at the first hurdle but under a new coach and with several new players on board, hopes are high that the club can recapture the form they've shown in years gone by, when they challenged for trophies as one of Super League's strongest clubs.
"We've struggled in recent years due to a lack of strength in depth. We have had capable half-backs, but if anyone got injured we didn't really have anyone to step in and cover, who knew our systems and how we played," explained Horne, who is Hull's longest-serving player, having made his debut in 1998.
"This year we've got the luxury of having Jamie Ellis and Danny Nicklas training with us and they both already know the script. If any of the other guys drops out with injury then Jamie or Danny can step in and we can carry on as normal."
The new man at the helm is Australian Peter Gentle, who has taken the head coach's role at the KC Stadium and is working alongside director of rugby Shaun McRae.
"Peter has a good understanding of how to control an attack," added Horne.
"He knows what it takes to break down an opposition's defence and has certainly helped us with our game. I'm excited about maybe putting a few points on the board in 2012."
Hull FC start their Super League campaign against Warrington Wolves with the Humberside club 2.80 to win, 1.44 to lose and 21.00 for it to be a draw on February 5.
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