Hull FC coach Lee Radford has ordered his entire squad to start pre-season as a unit on November 1 – and is not making any exceptions.
Indeed, the 35-year-old has told all of his new recruits, including NRL pairing Mark Minichiello and Steve Michaels, that they must be ready to start in just over five weeks’ time.
“It is important to have all the new lads in from day one alongside the young kids and the rest of the squad,” he told the Hull Daily Mail.
“Everybody should be on the same playing field and there shouldn’t be any exemptions. Plus, the quicker they all get to know each other the better for them and the group.
“The first weekend will be a get away and a bit of a get to know you team bonding trip. I think it is important the squad comes together with all the new players and we spend some quality time together straight away and everyone gets to know each other before the hard stuff begins.”