John Cartwright, the head coach of Hull FC, is determined to build on the team's progress in the 2025 season and make a strong push for the 2026 championship. Despite facing challenges and injuries towards the end of the year, Hull FC finished in seventh place, missing out on the Super League play-offs. However, with a renewed focus and a new year, Cartwright is confident that the team is in a better position to achieve long-term success.
In an interview with Hull Live, Cartwright expressed his determination, stating, "Last year has just made me even more determined. There were stages through last year where I really thought we could do something special." He acknowledged the team's efforts and the challenges they faced, but remained optimistic about the future.
The coach has brought in eight new players, including Harvie Hill, Joe Batchelor, James Bell, Jake Arthur, Sam Lisone, and Arthur Romano, to strengthen the squad. Cartwright believes that the team now has the necessary experience, competition, and depth to go one step further. He also noted that the stars from last year have kicked on and are in better shape this pre-season, resulting in increased fitness levels and determination.
The collective goal is now the playoffs, with a focus on consistency and availability to turn aspirations into reality. The team will start their journey by facing Bradford Bulls at the MKM Stadium on Saturday evening. Cartwright emphasized the importance of improvement and consistency, stating, "For us, it's just about improving, and the results will then look after themselves. We need to be more consistent – we know that."
During the pre-season, the team has focused on getting the training right, ensuring that players report everything and are checked over by the physios. Cartwright highlighted the importance of this, saying, "We have put a real focus on making sure we get the training right – it's what we focus on more than anything else." He also noted that the team's testing has shown that they are fitter than they were this time last year, and they are in a good spot to stay healthy and competitive throughout the season.
For Cartwright, the passion of the club and the game itself are what drive him. He believes in instilling respect for the game in his players and helping them understand more about it than just playing every week. Despite the challenges, Cartwright remains excited about the future and is determined to take the team to the next level.
