As the kick-off to the new season draws closer, Joe Stafford wants to set a high standard from the first whistle.
The hard summer minutes spent in conditioner Cal Donohoe’s gym ‘The Pit’ or on the training pitch can finally be put to good use as the season begins with a home game against Rossendale, who beat Hull twice last season.
Hull finished third last season, just a couple of points behind Rossendale who missed out on promotion following defeat in the play-offs.
Stafford knows the hard graft done over the last three months will serve them well throughout the course of the season.
“I’m looking forward to the league starting again as we have worked hard in the off-season,” Stafford said.
“We carried a high standard throughout pre-season with training and setting us up for a great season.
“We want to improve on what we did as a team last year and to have another good season.
“I want to work hard for the team am I know everyone’s saying that we will go up.
“However, there is a great buzz around the squad.
“We are a tight playing group of mates and enjoying our rugby is what it’s all about.”
Hull v Rossendale, Chanterlands Avenue, 3pm
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 