Former Catalans Dragons player, Jérôme Guisset, has weighed in on the recent appointment of Steve McNamara as the new coach of Hull FC. Guisset, who played a pivotal role in the Dragons' success during his eight-year stint, believes McNamara is the right man to bring a similar transformation to Hull FC. However, he also expresses disappointment in the club's handling of the 2026 season, suggesting they have 'waved the white flag' too early.
Guisset highlights the significance of Hull FC's status in the rugby league world, noting their substantial budget, high average attendance, and dedicated fan base. He emphasizes the disappointment of seeing a club of such stature underperforming and second from bottom in the league. Guisset's personal experience as a player, coach, and lifelong fan of the sport adds weight to his critique of Hull FC's early season exit.
In his opinion, McNamara's appointment is a strategic move. Guisset praises McNamara's ability to transform the DNA of the Catalans Dragons, a team he led to notable achievements, including a Challenge Cup win, a Super League Leaders Shield, and multiple Grand Final appearances. Guisset believes McNamara's success at Catalans will be replicated at Hull FC, despite the challenges of working with a team that has already conceded the season.
The Back Ten co-host, Paul Cooke, echoes Guisset's sentiments, suggesting that the current struggles of Hull FC only serve to enhance McNamara's potential impact. Cooke argues that McNamara's ability to immerse himself in a new culture and transform a team is a testament to his coaching prowess. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of Hull FC's strategic move in appointing McNamara, while also acknowledging the disappointment surrounding the club's early season exit.
