Minichiello keen to help Hull FC youngsters
New Hull FC backrower Mark Minichiello believes that he has a key role to play at the club in 2015.
The experienced Italian international feels that his knowledge and insight will be invaluable to the new crop of rising youngsters at the KC Stadium.
“I am not here for any other reason than to play my best every single week and perform to the level I can,” he said.
“That is what I want to bring to the team on top of my experience.
“I know there are some really good young kids coming through the system here and I really want to help them gain what they need from the first grade here.
“I am fortunate enough to have gained a lot of experience from playing in the NRL over thirteen seasons, and I’m excited about bringing that to help those youngsters.
“Working with Gareth Ellis and Leon Pryce who have both been around for a long time as well, if we can all work together than I honestly believe we will have a shot at the title.
“I expect to come into the team and help lead the side around the pitch, that is certainly something that I like to do as an experienced rugby league player.
“I am desperate to win a competition in my time here, that is something I have put up there as what I want to achieve. If we can do that in the next few years that would be great.”
Minichiello is also looking forward to turning out at the KC Stadium, particularly when local rivals Hull Kingston Rovers are the visitors.
“It’s a great stadium and one of the best in the league I hear, so I’m really looking forward to playing out on that pitch,” he added.
“I have heard all about the derby and the fanatical supporters that surrounds the whole match.
“Experiencing the atmosphere that everyone keeps telling me about is going to be special. A lot of people tell me it’s like a mini origin so I can’t wait for that.”
The 32-year-old has also managed to meet his new coach Lee Radford, and begin to discuss plans for the 2015 campaign.
“Lee and myself caught up and were talking about all of the club’s facilities and we managed to have a good look around,” he said.
“He briefly mentioned about what was expected of me as a player. It was all really informal which was nice because it gave us an early chance to get to know one another properly, and I can’t wait to jump into training and get into it now.
“I have had a good little break now about six or seven weeks, so I can’t wait to be getting back in and meeting all the boys because I don’t know too many of them.
“It will be good to introduce myself and then getting to work for Hull FC both in training and on the pitch.”