Andy Last admits he’s having to think outside the box as he tries to ensure his Hull FC squad stay sharp, both mentally and physically.
The 39-year-old became interim head coach of his home-city club after last month’s sacking of Lee Radford (pictured), to whom he had been assistant.
Radford departed after Hull suffered their fourth defeat in seven Super League matches this year, 38-4 at home to Warrington.
But the shutdown of Rugby League means Last has yet to take charge for a match – and nor can the players train together as a group.
They have been given individually-tailored training programmes to work on at home, and Last, who is being assisted by former Widnes head coach Kieron Purtill, is keeping in close contact.
“It’s a strange time for us as professionals, because the one thing we want to do is get out onto the training field, be together and start to work towards better performances,” he said.
Former Hull player Last, who has been coaching in various capacities since 2004, added: “I can’t coach, but I’m still trying to influence them in the right way.
“Sometimes the job isn’t all about being technical and tactical, it’s about the emotional and mental side of things.
“That’s something I will be working hard at for however long I’m in the position of head coach, making sure the players are right emotionally to perform to the best of their ability.
“I’ve got to say that to a man, they’ve been first class. They’re following the programmes they’ve been set and they’re sending in videos.”
Last believes it’s important to complete as full a season as possible, and he told Hull Live he likes Toronto coach Brian McDermott’s idea of playing matches over 15-minute quarters.
“It’s something I’ve also suggested and I think going for an hour-long game would be a good idea,” he said.
“That will allow you to get fixtures played, I’d like to think it will keep members happy, and it prevents the players absolutely hammering their bodies.”
