Hull FC's John Cartwright Confirms 'Near Best' Team for Super League Opener
Hull FC is gearing up for their Super League opener against the Bradford Bulls next month, with head coach John Cartwright promising a team that will be 'near its best'. However, the Black and Whites are taking a cautious approach, especially with players returning from major off-season surgeries.
The team's recent performance against the Huddersfield Giants at Brantingham Park on Sunday showcased a youthful side, with a 28-16 loss. Despite this, Cartwright is confident in his team's progress, especially with the return of some senior players.
Speaking post-match, Cartwright emphasized the importance of caution, stating, 'It’s touch and go, but being round one, anyone who is any doubt, we won't risk. It's a long, long season and there are no breaks this year. We'll get through the Wigan game and go from there.'
The focus is on the Wigan game, where a mix of senior and younger players will be featured, with the exception of those still recovering from major surgeries. Herman Ese’ese (Achilles) is the only player currently ruled out of the Bulls game, while James Bell is back in full training after a knee injury.
Cartwright's strategy for the Wigan game is clear: 'We're getting ready for Bradford, it's not about anything else, it's about being at our very best and our strongest for Bradford.' He aims to see his team compete and play with passion, preparing them for the Challenge Cup and the upcoming Bradford match.
The new play-the-ball rules, which penalize infringements more strictly, were a topic of discussion. Cartwright praised the team's adaptation, saying, 'I think we adapted pretty well. We were fortunate to get some penalties on the back of it. All we can hope for is some consistency and I thought they were pretty consistent today.'
The coach's emphasis on consistency and speed around the ruck could potentially open up the game, bringing in better players and creating a more exciting spectacle for fans.
