Hull FC confirm new captain ahead of Tony Smith’s first year in charge
Hull FC boss Tony Smith has appointed Carlos Tuimavave as new captain ahead of his inaugural season in charge of the Super League club in 2023.
The 31-year-old centre becomes the side’s first overseas captain in over a decade. He takes the role following the departure of half-back Luke Gale during the off-season.
Tuimavave joined the club ahead of the 2016 season from Newcastle Knights and is heading into his eighth year with the club. He currently stands as Hull’s fourth-longest serving player, with his next competitive appearance set to be his 150th.
He is only the tenth overseas player to be given the captaincy in the club’s 158 year history.
Carlos Tuimavave on being appointed Hull FC captain
Tuimavave said: “I was a little bit surprised when I was told the news. But at the same time I’m filled with excitement for the opportunity. It’s an honour and a privilege to lead this great club.
“You look back on the players who have previously been selected as captains of this club, and it’s a group of elite people and it’s a special moment for me to be the next in line.
“I like to think I lead by example, whether that be during a game, on the training field, or away from the field. I try to be a calming influence to the rest of the playing group too, which I think you need in a lot of situations.
“I’ve been here for a while now and I feel that I’ve earn that respect from my team-mates. I’m confident in myself, and I believe they have confidence in me too to lead them.
“It’s something that is a little bit out of my comfort zone, but I hope I will thrive having been given the opportunity.”
“He has been brilliant in the time I have been here”
Head coach Smith added: “Carlos holds a huge amount of respect across the squad. There were a number of candidates who were considered for the captaincy, but he has a calmness about him which made him suitable for the role.
“He’s respected for what he has done, and what he does in terms of his professionalism and setting an example in training
“He would be the first to say that he needs the support of others in the group, as any captain does. It’s an honour and a privilege. But he needs the support of others who hold those leadership qualities. And he’ll have that from a lot of people within the group.
“He has been brilliant in the time I have been here, and he has been here across his time at the club. He’s been someone I’ve certainly admired when I’ve been at other clubs.”
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