Brett Hodgson praises sports psychologist after Hull FC’s strong showing in 2021

Correspondent

Hull FC coach Brett Hodgson has hailed the impact of sports psychologist Damien Hughes after his team’s impressive start to the Super League season.

Hodgson, in his first season as a head coach, says he benefited from Hughes’ input during his time as a player with Warrington, and believes he has also had a positive impact on the Black and Whites, who have won five and drawn one of their opening nine matches.

“We brought him in at the start of the season to help us process things mentally that happen in a game and he’s been excellent,” Hodgson said.

“He’s there for the players for one-on-ones when they need them, and he provides some insight into turning some of the negative emotions into positives and how we can frame that as players and staff.

“He was very good for me as a player at Warrington and I knew him coming into our environment would improve us.”

In addition to helping out at Warrington, Hughes has previously worked with the England rugby league team, as well as Scotland rugby union, Sale Sharks and in football with Manchester United and West Brom.

“He’s very high quality in his field and I knew he would strengthen our group,” added Hodgson, who also invited England rugby union coach Eddie Jones to training earlier in the season.

“We’ve seen some emotional things during games this year that we’ve been pretty good at. There is no doubt that the work Damien has done has benefited us.

“On matchday it’s more about observation but it’s good to have him around.”


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