24th August 2010

Sean Long

Captain of Hull FC

As an outsider coming into the City of Hull, there was one thing that struck me immediately. You are all mad!

I mean it in the best possible sense of course, but put simply, you are all mad for your sport.

Rugby League particularly is stand out over here. I know from being back home in Wigan that even then, you could'’t ignore the passion for the game in Hull. Whether that was when we played over here or came to watch a game or the various stories you would hear about the amateur game in the City.

However, once you actually arrive it just lifts to a different level. Everywhere you go, people are taking about sport, not just Rugby League but football and cricket too.

Then you turn around and there is always a game going on somewhere, whether it is a local match in the park or some lads throwing a ball around in the streets.

Couple that with what I have now witnessed from the field and the stands at the Hull Derbies and you know it is something special.

So, all this did get me thinking the other day about why it is so mad over here and when I was asked to write this blog, it soon made me realise why.

When you are brought up on something that everyone around you believes so passionately about, you simply cannot ignore it.

I remember playing as a youngster and falling in love with this great game and when that is being instilled into you from birth, ensuring you become either Black and White, Red and White or even Black and Amber, there will only be one outcome.

A lot of it comes down to those who steer you down those respective paths, including your parents who are the unsung heroes for many and of course those who coach you.

I have worked with some fantastic people through the years and I cannot praise them enough for what they have helped me and others achieve, so to have awards like this is fantastic to recognise their contribution.

One of my first appearances after joining the club was to attend last year's awards and it was a real privilege. There were some great stories and some fitting awards and just meeting and talking to some of the people there that night, it brought all the madness home.

I know that there will be more people deserving of some special recognition this year and on behalf of the players at Hull FC, I would like to pass on my congratulations to everyone who is nominated and our thanks to them for helping us enjoy something that we love.