Mark Minichiello admits he is fighting to prove he is worth a new contract at Hull FC as the club prepare for the first of their matches in Australia.
The Black and Whites are currently Down Under for two games in New South Wales against Wigan Warriors on Saturday and St George Illawarra Dragons (February 17).
Minichiello says the tour itself is one of the significant benefits of playing for Hull and something which would drive him towards playing on in 2019 if done again next year. Regardless of whether FC’s trip is a one-time deal, though, Minichiello insists he is planning to back himself for another season.
The 36-year-old explains that he will discuss his options with the club in the next few months but knows he must continue to prove his worth.
“My body is still feeling good and we will see what happens. I will have a chat with the club and see where things go from there,” Minichiello told the Mail.
“The way I feel right now I’d back myself for another year but I want to prove that for longer than just the first game of the year. As long as the body holds up I plan on going around again.
“Hull is a great club and I am very happy. Experiencing things like this tour is excellent and a real carrot for the players and not just myself.”
Minichiello has been enjoying his time back home in Australia this week as Hull mingled with fans on Wednesday, with the back rower even winning a prawn peeling contest at the Kiama Farmers’ Market.
The former NRL regular believes the experience is great for the players and the club moving forward for multiple reasons.
“It’s a great experience for all the English guys in the side and I think it has opened up their eyes to what Australia is about,” Minichiello continued. “Kiama is a great little town and we got involved in the local farmers’ market on Wednesday which was fun.
“Recruitment wise I believe tours such as this could be a big pulling card in the future. If the club make this an annual event then a lot of players are going to want to be involved in that.”
For all the talk of experiences for players, staff and fans, when it comes down to it this Saturday is all about the two Super League points, with Minichiello looking forward to going toe to toe with Wigan again.
The two sides have met three times in the last two years in knockout fixtures, with Hull winning a Challenge Cup semi and final, while the Warriors defeated FC in the 2016 Super League semis. Minichiello adds that the rivalry has added spice after the last two years.
“I have no doubt it will be ferocious. We have had so many good battles in recent years and it’s always physical when we play them,” Minichiello added. “That will be even more the case because we are over here. I expect the opening to be explosive and we certainly won’t hold anything back.”
The Mail's reporter Paul Clarke is with the Hull FC team throughout their two week stay in Australia and will bring you exclusive content throughout the two week tour.
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