Mike Burnett takes up prop’s position with Hull FC
Hull FC forward Mike Burnett has been handed in a new role by his coach, Peter Gentle, which is shocking for him because just a week ago, he knew that he had no future with the club.
Previously, the 23-year-old player was filling in as the second rower at Hulls but now the player will take up the prop position on field. All thanks to Gentle, who was appointed head coach in September 2011.
Burnett served a loan period at the Harlequins last year with more than 50 Super League games under his belt. However, despite all that experience to his name, Hulls’ previous coach, Richard Agar, did not refresh his contract term with the club, which meant
that he should search his future in the second tier games
Burnett’s previous contract had already expired with Hulls but as Gentle did not wish to let go of the talent of this stature easily, the player was once again offered a refreshed contract at a revised position.
While explaining their move of retaining the player at the club, Gentle said, “Mike ticked all the boxes for us. We've talked about moving him into the front row and he's happy with that.”
However, before he could turn to the Championship in 2012, Sam Obst’s departure to Keighley created room for Burnett, on which Gentle promptly acted to book a spot for him.
While expressing his views about it, Gentle explained and said, “We've only got four front rowers in Mark O'Meley, Sam Moa, Eamon O'Carroll and Andy Lynch and if we lose one of those early, it's a big step for a young kid to step up in that position. A wing
or centre you could probably get away with it so we needed a back up there.”
Gentle further added that they are aware of the fact that Burnett might not match up to the fitness level of the remaining squad members because of his recent hip surgery. However, he also expects the player to resume his inclusion in the squad in no more
than a week’s time. The coach believes that the player is excited to take up the new position as soon as possible.
It will be interesting to see how well the player is going to exhibit his on-field brilliance as front rower in 2012.
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