His dad was a champion surfer and rugby league legend Andrew Johns remains a huge family friend.
But Tex Hoy’s out to make his own name with Hull FC. The Australian full-back, 23, has arrived from NRL club Newcastle Knights ahead of the new Betfred Super League season. Stuck behind “freaky” Queensland State of Origin superstar Kalyn Ponga at Newcastle, he wants to nail the No1 spot for the Black and Whites.
Admittedly, the Humber Estuary’s a far cry from the New South Wales beaches Hoy grew up on. Dad Matt Hoy was ranked No5 surfer in the world in 1997 but his son didn’t fancy following that wild and crazy path. Hoy recalled: “My dad never really pushed me into surfing. He tried when I was young but I didn’t like it.
“Once I was into this he was right behind me. He’s a big supporter of mine. He’s a big fan of the game. As a kid he always told me he won eight Grand Finals straight but I’ve seen him try to pass a football - and he’s horrendous.”
Hoy’s dad is, though, best mates with ex-scrum-half ‘Joey’ Johns, the Australian Immortal who famously inspired Newcastle to 1997 Grand Final success. The Kangaroos legend is widely regarded as one of the sport’s greatest-ever players and Hoy said: “Dad grew up in a more crazy era where there was less social media. He was a big name in Newcastle surfing and Matty - and Andrew - Johns were big names there in rugby league so they ended up hanging out together.
“I always remember going to Joey’s house where they’d a pool and I’d hang out there. I grew up with Matty’s sons - Jack and Cooper - and were very close to them. Joey gave me little tips and he’s always been good.”
Hoy knows he’s big boots to fill at Hull. He replaces maverick Great Britain star Jake Connor who came up with a competition best 33 try assists last term before a surprise switch to Huddersfield. Hoy explained: “I came over here to play full-back week in, week out. That’s one of the big reasons.
“Jake Connor was Hull’s go-to guy to get points on the board and set others up as well. But we’re different players. He’s very skilful and can throw a pass and hit the money every time whereas I’d probably use my running game a little more than he does. He’s a bit bigger than me and slower. That’s not taking away from his skill; I’m just more of a runner.”
Hull kick-off against Castleford in a fortnight’s time but visit Wakefield on Sunday in their latest warm-up. That gives Hoy another chance to get up to speed. He added: “When I was watching Jake I felt his first thought was to get the ball on the chest of whoever. Whereas I’ll be thinking I need to beat a certain guy to set up the likes of Darnell McIntosh and Adam Swift. It’s just about getting used to working those combinations. I’m enjoying it here. And I'm looking forward to doing that.”
