Evans settling into life at Hull FC

Kane Evans is quickly acclimating to life at Hull FC. The Fijian international signed a two-year deal with the club and recently touched down in Hull to begin preparations ahead of the 2022 season.

Preseason is well underway at Hull FC – the Black & Whites have been back in camp for several weeks after a premature end to their 2021 campaign. Evans linked straight up with the squad on his arrival two weeks ago as he gets to grips with the gruelling preseason schedule.

“The first few days was just recovery to help me get over the jet lag,?? He explained.

“The boys are six weeks in [to preseason] so they’re all so fit, but I’ve just been doing what they’re doing. I’m just getting used to it – it’s been tough.

“Out there on the field in the skill stuff I look pretty good in, it’s just the conditioning where I need to catch up, which normally takes a few weeks.??

Evans eventual Hull FC debut will be delayed due to a ban he received whilst plying his trade in the NRL last season.

And, although the ban is frustrating for both himself and the club, it may well be a blessing in a disguise for the bustling front rower.

The suspension will result in Evans not featuring for his new club until March, meaning he's afforded valuable extra time to further improve his fitness and conditioning ahead of an arduous 2022 campaign – a somewhat silver lining from a less than ideal situation.

“It gives me an extra four weeks to train. Obviously after Christmas the boys will start getting ready to play but for myself, I’ll still be in that preseason mode for another month or so after that.

“So even though I’ve come a bit later I’m going to make up for the time I’ve missed. It will be good; I’ll be able to keep working on my fitness and strength and conditioning while the boys are doing their trial matches and into the first few rounds.??

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No stopping Kane Evans from close range! 👊

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— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) October 27, 2021

Evans' has quickly become accustom to his new teammates as he settles in at his new home, whilst also recognising the high standards that have been set during his opening week on the training field.

“Scott Taylor has been helping me a lot. I’m also real impressed with JJ [Jordan Johnstone] and his fitness and effort.

“And also, Jordan Lane. I could see him playing at the highest level, he’s a freak. He’s so strong and fit, and the way he runs lines and hits holes I’m looking at him like wow.

“I’ve been partnering with him for some fitness drills - he’s been carrying me, and JJ too. Those three have been crazy to watch and train with.??

Hull FC might not be the only team Evans represents in 2022. He could also feature in the rearranged Rugby League World Cup for Fiji. The Fijian squad will be based in Hull for the ground-breaking tournament, which gives an extra incentive for Evans to add to his 13 caps. 

That being said, his current focus is solely on his club responsibilities and helping to improve a Hull FC side that will be desperate to make amends after a disappointing end to their 2021 season.

“It’s probably the best footy I’ve played in my life playing for Fiji. I’m really looking forward to it [World Cup] but at the same time I don’t want to have my focus that far ahead.

“I just want to have an impact on my club – we’re trying to build something great here, so I’ve just got to get my body right and worry about something more short term.??