Hull FC half-back Leon Pryce says he is motivated by the challenge of reviving the club in 2015, describing the Airlie Birds as one of Rugby League’s “sleeping giants”.
Pryce has returned from a spell in France with Catalans Dragons to join up with the Black and Whites, and he told League Express that, while he is fully aware of the pressure surrounding the club, the challenge of lifting Hull back up the leagues is a major motivation for him.
“It’s a massive move and, for me personally, I think it’s a bold move to make,” Pryce said.
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“Because of where the club finished last year and the history of the club, there’s so much pressure on them. I’ve noticed that myself having played against them over the last few years, and I’m sure there will be pressure on me – but you’ve got to just get on with it.
“The challenge was a massive motivation in coming here; I love a challenge, and the prospect of trying to revive this club really excites me. They’re a sleeping giant in Rugby League terms, and as an older head the experience I can bring could be a key factor in helping them to flourish.”
Pryce’s spell at the Dragons ended in controversial circumstances after they cut him from their first-team squad for the latter part of the 2014 season.
But the 33-year-old rejected any claims that he has a point to prove after how it ended in France, saying: “I’ve not got a point to prove to anyone in the game, apart from myself.
“Just because I missed a couple of games at the end of the season, that’s certainly not the be all and end all of my career, I can guarantee that.”
Pryce also admits that his time in Perpignan has taught him plenty both on and off the field.
“It’s good to be back home above all else, and to be back in the Yorkshire way of life. It’s brilliant to be back with family and things like that; while it’s good to be away from home and learning new cultures and experiencing new things, I love being at home.
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“France taught me a fair few things as a person, as well as a player. It taught me how to chill out a little bit, and made me enjoy family life a lot more. It just gave me a crucial bit of experience in how to deal with a bit of controversy.
“There are always up and downs, and in France things are a little bit more volatile than they are in England, and I learned to deal with things really well when I was out there.
“I’ve been coming here to play since I was a young kid, and I’m massively aware of how big Rugby League is over here. If I’ve only got two more years left of my career, then it’s going to be great to experience some big derbies and playing in front of some big crowds.”
