Moa – New feel around the club

Hull prop Sam Moa says there is a much different feel about the club, as they gear up for the new season.

The Airlie Birds have spent the past week in a warm-weather training camp in Tenerife, with Moa putting his fitness to the test alongside new front row recruits Eamon O’Carroll and Andy Lynch.

Moa, 25, will be looking to impress head coach Peter Gentle and force his way in to the starting 13.

He told the club’s official website: “It feels like I am at a new club right now.

“There are a lot of the same faces in the squad and a few new ones, but there is a different feel at the training ground and around the club generally.

“We’ve got a lot of competition for places this year, but I think that will be a real positive for the team and myself.

“Having Lynchy and Eamon arrive at the club is keeping us all on our toes, while Mike Burnett and Josh Bowden are also competing for places and have put in some strong performances in training. 

Lynch has arrived from Bradford while Ireland international O’Carroll opted to leave Wigan to switch to the KC Stadium in the close season, signing a three-year deal.

Moa added: “It’s going to be tough to earn a starting spot this year, but I’m focusing on improving my own game, trying to make an impression during the friendlies and taking my chance when it arrives.”

Hull have hit the headlines recently following the suspensions of former chief executive James Rule, former conditioner Ben Cooper and ex-player Martin Gleeson for their part in a drug scandal.

Now under new chairman Adam Pearson, the Airlie Birds have moved quickly to put the negativity behind them, as they approach the new season with a new coach, and a raft of new players, which include NRL signings Wade McKinnon, Brett Seymour and Aaron Heremaia.