Last has rekindled an old role at Hull FC.
Andy Last in Hull FC pre-season training. (Image: Hull FC)
Andy Last has no dramas in being Hull FC’s ‘cheerleader’ this year. In fact, the 44-year-old is thriving. Playing a key role in the Black and Whites’ coaching setup, Last’s coaching tasks are laid bare in both training and on a matchday.
In training, Last, along with Simon Grix, can be seen taking split drills, both attacking and defensive, while head coach John Cartwright observes. The trio then interlock when needed and work as a team, but on game day, they have their own roles.
Grix ‘holds the fort’ with Cartwright up in the stands, while Last is very much in the trenches. Standing in the dugout, running on the field and being the message man, Last is playing his part, with the coaching dynamics instilled by Cartwright helping to bring the best out of everyone.
Speaking to Hull Live, Last, who returned to the club this season after four years away at the likes of Wakefield Trinity, Castleford Tigers, and Catalans Dragons, said: “It’s been good. At training, Carty leaves me and Grixy to coach. He comes up with his thoughts and ideas on how he wants the game to look and how he wants us to prepare.
“We spend a fair bit of time in that coach’s office tossing ideas about on how we want the sessions to look and how we go about delivering them.
“On game day, he goes on his mad walkabouts when somebody drops a ball. Grixy holds the fort up top, and then I’m in the dugout. I’ve enjoyed that. I’ve spent a fair bit of time sitting up in the stands, and this year I’ve got back to the field, which is the first time I’ve done that for probably 8-9 seasons.”
Seeing firsthand Hull’s growth in facets like leadership and the like, Last continued: “It certainly gives you a different perspective, and you get a feel for the boys. It’s been good for me.
“You see the leadership on the field, and there have been plenty of times this year when I’ve run out with a message, and the message has already been said by the players, which is good for us; we know we’re all on the same page. It’s been different, but I’ve really enjoyed it. You get into the banter, which can sometimes take place on the sideline.
“It’s really suited me. Carty asked me if I was okay with it. He said it would be good for me and good for us, using my passion and emotion, which I coach with, to help the players.
“There have been a couple of times where I have been emotional with my messaging before a game and behind the sticks at half-time, and it seems to have a response with the players. I do like it; I like getting behind the line when a sub is about to be changing or when we’re defending our line and they’re shouting and screaming, and you can feel that energy from the supporters and the playing group.
“I like being that energiser, and along with Davy Litten and Zak Hardaker, I don’t mind being that cheerleader. It’s good. I’ve really enjoyed that.”