Adam Swift says Hull FC coach Brett Hodgson’s instruction for him to take the straightforward approach is behind his bright form as he sets sights on two home Super League games in five days – against Leeds on Thursday and his former club St Helens on Monday, August 2.
The 28-year-old had an injury-hit first season with the fifth-placed Black and Whites, but has notched ten tries in all competitions this time around, despite having to leave the field with an ankle injury on 59 minutes in last Thursday’s game at Huddersfield Giants, which could put his position in some doubt.
Normally a winger, Swift has played fullback in the absence of Jake Connor, who has a knee injury, and he has taken to the role.
“Brett has been brilliant with me and flipped my game completely upside down,” said Swift, who scored 86 tries in 130 appearances for Saints between 2012-19.
“He has instilled a lot more confidence in me, and helped me get my game back down to the bare bones.
“I was always one to overanalyse and he’s helped me take a simpler approach to my game.
“I was really bad for looking at too much video review, analysing my stats too much. Jon Wilkin told me once that too much water can kill the plant, and it’s true. I live by that now and Brett has helped strengthen that message.
“He gave me a good opportunity in pre-season and has supported me since day one and I can’t thank hum enough for that.
“If I’m doing something wrong, he’ll tell me – it’s a much more simplistic approach which allows me to do my job, and the coaches can pick up on what I need to improve, which is their job.
“Rugby League is a game of trust, and to see that he has trust in me that I’ll do my job for the team is really special for me. Every player wants that feeling of trust from the head coach, and I’m lucky enough to be in that position.”
Swift added: “We’re not really looking much at the table – ultimately we want to be at Old Trafford at the end of the season, but we’re just looking week to week at the moment.”
The above content is also available in the regular weekly edition of League Express, on newsstands every Monday in the UK and as a digital download. Click here for more details.