Simon Grix has reaffirmed his commitment to Hull FC despite missing out on the head coach position on a permanent basis. Grix has been in interim charge of the Black and Whites for the last four games, having signed a two-year deal as an assistant coach ahead of this season.
And while he was a candidate for the head coach position, which has been appointed to John Cartwright for the 2025 season and beyond, Grix is now ready to continue to learn his craft under another experienced coach, with the ambition still to be a head coach one day.
Asked about his future at the club during his pre-match press conference, Grix said: “I signed for two years, and I’ll still be here. We’ll see how everything plays out. The coach is over the line, and there’s a lot of track still to go, but I don’t expect to be going anywhere soon.
“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 expertise, 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 surely draw on throughout 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 such chats, 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 become older and more senior, it becomes more about management and leadership.
“Aside from having more influence inside the team, not much has changed since I took on the role of interim manager; I’m loving what I’m doing. Not that I’m disappointed. I’d like to work as a head coach eventually. I simply need to keep doing what I’m doing because I want to stay in the game for a very long time.”Regarding the recent appointment, Grix is supporting Cartwright in becoming
“A youthful and evolving group 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 throughout that trip. Since Brisbane is currently among the top teams in that league, we will benefit from all of their contacts and experiences in the game there.”
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 expertise and helped others carry out their duties. Whichever way you want to interpret it, his experience is his experience. He will be invaluable to us.
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