Hull appoint new assistant

Hull FC have appointed Australian NRL coach Dennis Moore as their new assistant to Richard Agar for the 2010 season.

The Black and Whites have worked their way down an impressive list of candidates, but the former Manly Assistant coach Moore has come out on top and has agreed a one-year deal at Hull.

Hull FC Head Coach Richard Agar said, “Dennis has a vast experience in all levels of rugby league, and has been highly involved in the winning culture and recent successes at Manly Warringah.

“He has an amazing passion for the sport and will provide a great compliment to our existing staff.”

Moore, who is set to join up with his new colleagues as early as next week, will act as Agar’s right hand man next season and is looking to have a big impact on his arrival.

“I hope to bring some of my NRL experience to the squad, add to the group and hopefully help bring through some of the younger players and younger coaches,” he said.

“I believe the squad they have at Hull is capable of making Wembley and a Grand Final this season. They have a good mix of experience, youth and importantly work ethic.

“The likes of Fitzgibbon will bring that to the table and it will rub off on everyone and hopefully that will take us forward.

He added, “I remember coaching Ben Kennedy when he joined Manly, many people thought he was over the hill, but he came in and did exactly that job for us, led by example, worked hard and carried the team and he has left a lasting legacy at the club- I think Fitzy and O’Meley will both do the same at Hull.”

The 55-year-old has an impressive coaching résumé down under and much of his work has been focused on bringing through the younger generations as well as coaching at first-grade level.

In 2003, he developed an exciting youth crop with the Queensland Under 19’s before taking over the reins of the national Australian Under 19’s side, helping to bring through the likes of Greg Bird, Ben Kaye and Ben Faulkner.

A year later he joined Manly, where he started a five year building phase as part of the coaching team that slowly guided the Aussie side to great success.

By 2007, working alongside head coach and former Hull player Des Hasler, they made a Grand Final, only to be beaten by Melbourne, before getting their own back a year later thrashing the Storm 40-nil in the NRL show piece.

The side then went on to tour England as part of the World Club Challenge when they faced Leeds Rhinos at Elland Road.

Moore’s impressive work didn’t stop there though as he was sent on assignment to help develop one of Manly’s feeder clubs, taking over as Director of Football at the Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles alongside their coach Brandon Costin.

Not only did he manage to further enhance Manly’s links with the coast based players, but he also managed to create history as he helped guide the Sunshine Coast to Queensland Cup glory in just one year.

Moore said, “It was a great opportunity for me, I had family up there and felt I had to spend some time with them so it fitted in nicely.

“I got the chance to work with the club and the players and we managed to build a good side that went on to enjoy plenty of success.”

Moore now see’s his move to Hull as one of the biggest of his career and an opportunity he has been looking forward to for some time.

“I have always wanted to have a crack in England, so when this role came up and jumped at the chance,” he said.

“I have watched English rugby league since the mid-70’s, I have been a big fan and it has always been a goal to get over there.

“I’ve watched quite a bit of Hull and I followed Sharpy [Peter Sharpe] closely while he was there and I really believe the club could have gone places if it wasn’t for the tough luck they have had with injuries.”

Moore will have an active role in working hands on with the squad, which he believes has the foundations for plenty of success in the near future.

“Richard Agar has done a great job with his recruitment and it is a great playing group,” said Moore.

“I remember watching a lot of Jordan Tansey while he was with Leeds and then the Roosters recently and he can be a good player.

“We know what Fitzy and O’Meley can do, they are superb players and on top of that I have always liked players like Willie Manu and Epalahame Lauaki.”

He added, “Aside from them, you obviously then can’t ignore the arrival of Sean Long, as I say, I have watched a lot of English rugby league and Long has been one of the most pivotal players for Saints in the last decade, so it is an exciting group of players.”

Although Moore admits it was a very easy decision to make once the call came through from Hull, he still did take on board the advice of some of his closest friends including former FC head coach Brian Smith.

“I have known Brian quite a while since we worked together at Parramatta, probably about ten years or so now.

“I was speaking to him the other night, he knows I wanted to go to England and told me how great a place Hull was, and to be fair, I have been like a school kid with my bags packed at the door just waiting for things to get completed!”

As well as Smith, the discussions that have taken place with current Hull coach Richard Agar also seem to have wetted Moore’s appetite for success.

“I have spoken a few times with Rich on the phone and I was impressed with him.

“You can hear the passion he has for the club and the game in his voice and when he told me exactly what he wants to achieve at Hull I knew I wanted to be part of his team and I want to be part of the group that takes this side back to the top four where we all know they belong.

“Even watching back home, you can feel the passion through the television, just watching the derby matches against KR, it’s bigger than the Grand Final over there, it’s massive and who wouldn’t want to be a part of that.”

Moore looks set to arrive at the club in the next week or so to ensure he can take a full part in the club’s pre-season programme.

Due to his Scottish heritage, all the necessary paperwork is in place and he is determined to meet up with the guys as soon as he can.

“I just can’t wait to get over now, I am packing my bags as we speak and I fly next week.

“My mother has Scottish heritage and I got all the paperwork sorted out a few years ago because I knew at some point I wanted to come to England.

“I have waited for the right opportunity and after speaking with the likes of Rich I feel this is the right moment and it won’t be long before I get there, I can’t wait.”