Richie Myler opens up on Hull FC recruitment, marquee signings, goals, and more.

Hull FC has a clear strategy under their new Director of Rugby, Richie Myler, who shared insights in an exclusive interview with Hull Live.

Myler discussed recruitment plans, including the addition of at least one marquee player, and the team’s direction for 2025, aiming to blend experience with a promising, youthful squad. He emphasized finding the right balance to ensure the team performs more consistently next year.

The interview also covered John Cartwright’s role and plans to strengthen the backroom staff. Myler is realistic about the challenges ahead but is confident that with a strong emphasis on hard work, Hull FC can return to their peak. Here are four key takeaways from the interview.

Hull FC is aiming to add another marquee player to their spine, complementing John Asiata, who is already on a three-year marquee contract. They are specifically targeting positions 1, 6, and 7 for this new addition.

Richie Myler explained, “We need to bring in another marquee signing to stay competitive. This person needs to be influential on the team, typically filling one of the spine positions—1, 6, or 7—as they play a crucial role in shaping our game.”

Hull Live recently reported Hull’s interest in Lachlan Lam, noting that a substantial offer has been made. While the deal isn’t finalized, the club remains optimistic about securing a player of that caliber.

Hull FC has been in need of more experience, having started the 2024 season with just three players over the age of 30. The squad is predominantly young, and Richie Myler is focusing on integrating experienced players to elevate standards and strengthen the first-team environment, while continuing to develop young talent. This approach will continue as Hull aims to see their young players flourish next year.

Myler explained, “We aim to develop our own players over time. It has been beneficial for them to gain experience this year, but they need more seasoned players around them. The new additions for next year will mostly be over 30, having been part of strong, high-performing environments for years.”

He added, “We want our young players to emerge as a steady stream of talent. My plan for the next 18 months is to place them in a rigorous, high-standard environment where they can learn to train, prepare, and conduct themselves both on and off the field.”

Richie Myler and John Cartwright are aligned in their vision for the team, centered around a core principle: hard work. This commitment will drive Hull FC’s efforts as they aim to restore pride among everyone connected to the club. Myler also plans to bring in a new head physio and enhance the backroom staff to better support the team’s success.

Myler shared, “John and I talk daily, and every conversation revolves around his core belief. He, like me, wants to build a team that embodies our club’s motto, ‘Hull and Proud.’ We haven’t always lived up to that motto in recent times.”

He added, “Our new head coach is focused on hard work and fitness. Players who aren’t fit won’t train with the team. This is John’s primary rule. New signings need to arrive in peak condition by the start of pre-season, which begins now, not on November 4th.”

Richie Myler is optimistic about the squad’s prospects for next year, suggesting they could secure a mid-table finish. However, he acknowledges that significant effort is needed. The primary focus will be on developing resilience, fostering team unity, and ensuring strong off-field fundamentals to set the stage for future success.

Myler stated, “We aim to establish a solid, hardworking foundation first. From there, we can enhance the team with standout players and refine our approach to reach the top four again. At the moment, we need to overhaul our entire environment—from the owners to the scholars—to create the right conditions for success.

Our goal for next year is to build resilience and consistently deliver performances we can take pride in. The team will be packed with talent, and a mid-table finish seems achievable given their potential. However, reaching that point will require extensive effort from everyone involved—players, coaches, backroom staff, and fans alike.”

“We aim for everyone to feel proud, but achieving this will require a team effort. Although I’m currently on a three-year contract, I envision staying for the next 10 to 15 years. This isn’t just a temporary solution for me. That said, I’m also driven to win and achieve excellence. Our greatest accomplishment next year would be to look back at the season and feel a sense of pride in what we’ve achieved. I sincerely hope we can reach that point.”